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6OOO910ieW
►
j lO ' e . /<o ,
COLLECTIONS,
ILLUSTBATING THE
IN THB COUNTIKS OF
CORNWALL, DEVON, DORSET, SOMERSET, WILTS,
AND GLOUCESTER.
IN TWO PABTS,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
WITH NOTICB8 OV THB
$0mmitan, §m)Mtthu, H itrnditm iBxtim is ^ngM.
BT THE
Vbkt Bbv. GEORGE OLIVER, D.D.
CANOa or THB DIOOKBS OF PLTMODTR.
LONDON: "Cj:
CHAELE8 DOLMAN. 61, NEW BOND STEEET;
AND 93, PATERNOSTBR ROW.
1857.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OV VHB STATE OF CATHOLICITY IN DBYON-
8UIRB AND CORNWALL VBOM THE REFORMATION (sO CALLED)
UNTIL TOE RELAXATION OF THE PENAL LAWS Poge 1
CHAPTER II.
SOME NOTICES OF CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN DEVONSHIRE AND
CORNWALL 16
CHAPTER III.
THE ACTUAL STATE OF RELIGION IN DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL 24
CHAPTER IV.
THE SUFFERERS FOR THE FAITH IN D0R8ETSHIBX 35
CHAPTER V.
THE ACTUAL STATE OF RELIGION IN DORSETSHlEB 40
CHAPTER VI.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPAL CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
DORSETSHIRE 46
CHAPTER VII.
THE MISSIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE 65
CHAPTER VIII.
SOME ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN SOMBRSBTSHTRE 68
CHAPTER IX.
THE MISSIONS IN WILTSHIRE ....^ 72
CHAPTER X.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CATHOLIC FAMlLlEb IN WILTi>UIRE 75
VI CONTENTS.
CHAFfER XI.
THB SUFFERERS FOR THE FAITH IN GLOUCKBTBRSHIRE ... Pltge 101
CHAPTER XII.
REVIEW OF THB MISSIONS IE OLOUCESTBRSIIIRE 108
CHAPTER XIII.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN QLOUCBSTBRSHXRE 124
CHAPTER XIV.
HISTORICAL REPORT OF ALL THE EELIOIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS
IN THESE SIX WESTERN COUNTIES SINCE THB FRENCH REVO-
LUTION 129
CHAPTER XV.
REPORT TO GOVERNMENT OF THB CATHOLIC PROPERTY, IN 1716
AND 1718^ IN THESB SIX WESTERN COUNTIES 169
CHAPTER XVI.
TABLES OF SUCCESSION OF THE INCUMBENTS OF THE PRINCIPAL
MISSIONS IN THE COUNTIES AFORESAID 177
APPENDIX 197
PART II.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLERGT IN THE COUNTIES OF CORN-
WALL, DEVONSHIRE, DORSETSHIRE, SOMERSETSHIRE, WILT-
SHIRE, AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE, FROM THE PERIOD OF THE
REFORMATION UNTIL THE PRBSENT TEAR 1856 225
COLLECTIONS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE DOMINICAN, BENE-
DICTINE, AND FRANCISOAN ORDERS IN ENGLAND.
A HANDFUL OF GLEANINGS RESPECTING THE ENGLISH DOMINICAN
PROVINCE 447
COLLECTIONS ILLUSTRATING THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH
BENEDICTINE CONGREGATION 472
BRIEF NOTICES OF SOME WRITERS OF THE ENGLISH FRANCISCAN
PROVINCE SINCE THE ERA OF THE REFORMATION 538
INDEX.
PAGB
Adstdck 73
Aliieldy Rev. Thomas, mar-
tyred at Tybnm 103
ArundelL of Lanherne, family
of 16
> » of Wardour, family
of 75
Axminster 26
Bastard, £dmund, R. P., of
Kitley, Esq 28
Bath 65
Beckford , 115
Berkley, of Beverston 127
Bodmin 32
Bonham 60
Bristol 108
Bridgewater 65
Bridport 45
Bullaker, Thomas, O.S.F. mar-
tyred at Tyburn 11
Calyerleigh 27
Camborne 32
Cannington 60
Gary, family of 20
Castlehaven (Touchet), family
of 68
Cheltenham 119
Chichester, of Arlington, &mily
of 19
Chidiock Castle 37
Chapel 41
Chippine Sodbury 120
Chippenham 74
Cirencester 122
Clifford, family of 22
Coffin, Mr. Hamphrey, of
Wambrook 39,53
Cornelias, F. John, S. J., mar-
tyred at Dorchester 37
Cottington, family of 70
Courtenay, family of 17
Dowdall, James, executed at
Exeter, for denying the royal
supremacy 2
PAOB
Downside ^ 62
■ relics there 71
Exeter ! 25
— , chapel there levelled to •
the ground at the Revolu-
tion 14
Falmouth 30
FoUaton 27
Frome 66
Gloucester 117
Godolphin, family of 21
Green, Rev. Hugh, martyred
at Dorchester ^ 39
Hall, family of 125
Hartpury 117
Hatherop 117
Havman, Father, S. J 33
Holford, Rev. Thomas, mar-
tyred at Clerkenwell 103
Horton 115
Hunter, John 10
Hussey, family of 53
Jessop, Mr. John 36
Kemerton 120
Laithwaite, Thomas, S. J 4
Lampley, William, martyred
at Gloucester 103
Lanheme 29
Leigh, William, of Wood-
chester. Esq 121,127
Leighland 62
Lingard, Mrs 33
Loughnan, family of 15
Lullworth 40
Lyme 44
Mamhull 41
Mayne, Cuthbert, martyred at
Launceston 2
Midford Castle 65
Nympsfield 122
VUl
INBEX.
,% - PAGE
Paston, family of 125
Penzance 31
Petre, family of [,„ 197
Pilchard, Rev. Thomas, mar-
tyred at Dorchester 36
Plymouth 26
Pollen, John Hungerford, Esq! 74
Poole 42
Prior Park , .' 62
Pybush, Rev. John, martyred
at London 105
Reeve, alia$ Payne, John, mai^
-^ tyred at Chelmsford 3
Kisdon, of Bableigh, family of 20
Rowe, John, of Kingston, high
sheriff of Devon in 1687 14
Rowsham, Rev. Stephen, mar-
t>Ted at Gloucester 103
Salisbury 73
Sandys, Rev. John, martyred
at Gloucester loi
Shepton Mallett 60
Shortwood , , 61
Spetisbunr *' 42
Stanley, Sir William, of Hooton 15
Stapemll 41
Stocker, family of 71
Stourton, family of 92
Stroud 123
Sweet, John, S.J 6
Talbot, Hon. and Rev. James 15
Taunton 61
Tawstock 27
Teignmouth " 29
Tiverton 27
Tor Abbey 24
Tregian, Sir Francis .[ 9
Trelawny, Sir Henry 32
Tremayne, Richard 9
Trinder, family of 127
Ugbrooke 25
Wakeman, family of 124
Wakeman, Sir George, Bart.,
tried during the Gates plot 105
Wald^grave, family of 69
Wardour 73
Webb, family of 52
Webb, Rev. James 15
Weld, family of 47
Weston-super-Mare 66
Weymouth 42
Woodchester 121
Woodbury, prisoners mas-
sacred there in 1549 1
Wrey, Sir Bourchier 28
Yealmpton 28
CORRIGENDA.
Page 5, line 8, for
14, line 22, far
'Kele" read
Morris" read
Hele."
Norria."
. 6^ » IS, for "Pyhouae" read "IVthouse."
, 75, „ 7 of note * ineert a comnm after "heiress."
114, „ 16, for "Montier" read "Moutier."
160, „ 5 from bottom, for "Beaureaund" read « Beauregard."
188, „ 18, for "Ninton" read "Hinton."
. 185, „ 26. for "Hatton" read "Haldon."
211, „ 9 from bottom, for "Carpenter" read "Carpne."
255, note f D. Hasenbeth was never missionary of St. Augustine's,
Canterbury, but of St. Walstan'a, Coasey. A period
should follow Xavier.
888, line 7, for "Stonyhurst" read "Stonehouse."
848, „ 83, /or "dedannUs** read "deolarantes" without a stop.
— , „ 6 from bottom, for '* Culler" read " CuUon."
888, „ 5 from bottom, for "vioereflal" read "▼ioarial."
892, „ 8, and in the epitaph, for " Westman " read " Weetman."
576, lines 8 and 7, for " eight " read " nme." The ninth is F, Tkonuu
BMdber.
m
«
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS,
CHAPTER I.
*^ Oraia Deopieiaiy kaminuM memmiise honorum,*'
HtSTOBICAL SKBTCH OF THB STATB OF CATHOLICITY IN DBTOXSfllRE
AND CORNWALL FROX TBB BBFORMATION (sO CALLED) UNTIL THB
BBLAXATION OP THB PBNAIi LAWS.
The state of the Catholic religion in these two counties of
Devon and Cornwall, alias the diocese of Exeter, conveys a
melttBcholy proof of the instability of the human mind. No
portion of the English realm could be more devoted to the
ancient fiiith ; and the formidable insurrections which blazed
forth in the reign of King Edward VI. demonstrate the
hostility of the population to the innovations in religion
which the State was forcing upon them. But the savage
and brutal massacre of all the prisoners at Woodbury, as
ordered by John Lord Russell in 1549, — ''the putting of the
whole country " (in the words of Hoker, an eye-witness) ''to
the SDoil, where every soldier sought for his best profit,'' —
the oloody laws enacted shortly after against the very
profession of the religion of their forefathers, and which
were strictly enforced against individuals of influence and
property, — ^the intermarriages of Catholics and Protestants
under such circumstances, reminding us of the text, " Com-
^toixti sunt inter gentes, et didicerunt opera ejus, et servie-
runt sculptilibus eorum, et factum est illis in scandalum ''
^s. cv.) ; according to the Anglican version, " They were
mingled among the heathen, and learned their works, and
they served their idols, which were a snare unto them''
(Psalm cv.-cvi. 35), — and last, not least, the doctrines of the
Reformation, so very accommodating to the feelings of flesh
and blood, and so flattering to the pride of the human
heart, — all these causes and motives concurred to terrify
some and decoy others into the gradual indilBference and
•
2 STATE OF CATHOLICITY
Abandonment of thdr religioas principles. Still it is some
consolation to know that neither county was stained with
the effusion of much human blood in virtue of the penal
statutes. The first victim was that proto-martyr of Donay
College, the Bev. Cuthberi Mayne, who was taken at Gk)lden,
the seat of Sir Francis Tregian, Knight, in Probns parish,
Cornwall, about 8th June, 1577, and hanged, drawn, and
quartered at Launceston, on 29th November of that year. The
account of his martyrdom was sent to F. Edmund Campion,
then at Prague, by the famous Dr. Gregory Martin. The
former, in his reply, on 17th July, 1679, thus speaks of his
former pupil : " Valde te amo de martyrio Cutberti, vel
junamus potius; multis enim ilia narratio divinam attulit
voluptatem. Me miserum, quem ille novitius tam long^ a
tergo reliquerit I ! Sit propitius amico veteri et prseceptori :
horum enim nominum glenoid perfruar nunc ambitiosius
quam antea.'' For the ideal offence of being a Catholic
priest found in England, F. Mayne suffers the death of a
traitor ! and his patron. Sir Francis Tregian, for harbouring
a minister of the religion in which he had been bred, — ^the
religion of his ancestors, — ^the religion of Queen Elizabeih
herself btU twenty-one years before, — by a sentence of
prsemunire is stripped of all his property, and condemned to
perpetual imprisonment I * Well may Davies Gilbert, in his
'^ Parochial History of Cornwall," vol. iii. p. 370, ezclum, —
**01i! dearest God, forfend
Such timed should e'er return.''
The skull of this blessed martyr is religiously kept at
Lanheme.f
The only victim I have met with in Devonshire was Mr.
James Doudal, an Irish merchant, and a native of Wexford.
For denying the queen's spiritual supremacy, he was thrown
into Exeter jail. When I examined the calendars of the
prisoners in September, 1824, I found this minute at the
autumn assizes of 1598: — '^ Jacobus Dowdall remanet in
gaola per mandatum Concilii Privati.'' At the following
Lent assizes he is thus noticed : — " Jacobus Dowdall remanet
quia judicandus pro proditione/' At the autumn assizes »>
* When he heard his sentence, he exclaimed, ** Pereant bona, qus
ri non periiasent, fortassis dominum sunm perdidissent." — Com. a
Lapide, Bel. x.
t Strype, Annals, vol. ii., says that Richard Tremayne, gent.,
aged 30; Thomas Harrys, a schoolmaster, aged 45; John Kemp,
gent., 40; John Williams, A.M., 35, all of Cornwall, were also com-
xnitted to jail in 1570, wiUi Henry Benfeld, gent., 40, and John Hody.
IN BKYONSHIRB AND CORNWALL. 3
" Jacobus Dowdall suspendatar^ &c., pro proditione.*^ His.
execution took place on 13th August^ 1598, according to
John Mullan^s ''Idea Togatse Constantiae/' an octavo
▼olume printed at Paris in 1629.
In the Life of F. Charles Spinola (printed at Antwerp,
12mo., 1630), who was burnt for the faith in Japan,
2nd September, 1622, is an interesting letter which he
addressed to F. Claudius Aquaviva, fifth general of S.J., in
which he relates his capture at sea by an English vessel, and
his being brought into Atapson, or Topsham, 6th November,
1597. There he continued for several days; but was not
permitted to extend his excursions beyond one mile from
the place. Some, professing themselves Catholics, presented
him with money ; others invited him to their houses. Seve-
ral ladies of the first quality remained steadfast in the old
faith, and many of the gentry continued their inward
attachment to Catholic doctrines, but durst not avow their
real sentiments; and not a few, he observes, succeeded in
purchasing letters of dispensation from attending the Pro-
testant worship.
'The fiuthful Dr. Challoner, in his narrative of the Bev. John
Reeve, alias Paine, who, after being cruelly tortured in the
Tower (see Bishton's Diary), suffered for the faith at
Chelmsford, in Essex, on 2nd April, 1582, was unacquainted
with the following antecedents of his biography. He was a
Master of Arts at Oxford, and a Marian priest, and was
instituted by Dr. James Turbervillc, the last Catholic bishop
of Exeter, on 15th July, 1558, to the vicarage of Altemon, in
Cornwall, void by the death of Lawrence Blackley, on the
presentation of the Exeter dean and chapter. After the
exclusion of Bishop Turberville by Queen Elizabeth, and the
substitution of Dr. William Alley in his see, the Bev. John
Paine was deprived of his vicarage of Altemon, and on
23rd April, 1563, Edward Biley, S.T.P., was collated to it.
These &cts I glean from the episcopal, registers. The
gected vicar retired to the continent, and after a residence
at Pouay for some time, was sent to the English mission,
and became chaplain to Lady Petre, in Essex, whose family *
bad considerable property in the diocese of Exeter. Pro-
bably his zeal for souls might have induced him to come
down to visit his former fnends in these parts, where he
was apprehended. I subjoin from the Act-Book of John
Woolton, then Protestant bishop of Exeter, the following
" Certificate against John Reeve, alias Payne, a recusant**
• ♦See Appendix No. I.
B 2
4 STATE OF CATHOLTCITT
''Bxcellentissime et iUttatriasiine in Xto Principi Eliza-
bethe, Dei graci& Anglie^ Francie, et Hibemie Regine,
Fidel Defensori, &c. Yester humilis et devotus Johannes^
permissione divinA Exon Episoopus^ reverenciam et obedi-
enciam ac salutem in Eo^ per quern reges regnant et principes
dominantur. Coram vobia in corift yestrft yocatft ' The
King's Benche ' certificamuB^ quod nos Johannes episcopus
antedictus, xxiv^ die mensis Martii, anno regni yestri xxii.
"(1580), in domo mansionali mei dicti episcopi, Anglice
yocatd ^The BUhopp of Excetter his Pallace/ infra clau-
sum ciyitatis Exon scituatA, yigore et auctoritate cujusdam
ActAs Parliamenti ad Parliamentum tentum apud Westmo-
nasterium in com. Middlesex^ xii"" die Januarii, anno regni
yestri quinto editi et proyisi, intitulati, ' An Act far the
Assurance of the Queenes Majesties royall Power over all
Estates and Subjects within her Highnes Dominions/ obtu-
limus et ministrayimus Johanni Reve, alias Payne, clerieo,
olim alme Uniyersitatis Oxon Artium Magistro^ persone
ecclesiastice in sacris ordinibus constitute^ tunc et ibidem
coram nobis personaliter comparenti^ et infra nostram dioce-
sim adtunc et ibidem existenti^ proposito et aperte^ coram
eodem Johanne Reve, alias Payne, libro continente sacrosancta
Dei eyangelia^ sacramentam expresse appunctuatum et con-
tentum in et per Actum Parliamenti anno regni yestri
primo editum, et intitulatum, 'An Acte restoringe to the
Crowne the auncient Jurisdiction over the State EccksiasticaU
and Spiritual!, and abollishing all forraine Power repugnant
to the same :' antedictus tamen Johannes Reve, alias Payne,
sacramentum predictum modo, formft^ tempore et loco pre-
dictis sic per nos, ut prefertur, eidem Johanni oblatum et
ministratum tunc et ibidem^ recipere^ prestare aut pronun-
tiare peremptory et obstinati tunc et ibidem recusavit, contra
formam et effectum statuti predicti in hujusmodi casu editi
et proyisi. In quorum omnium et singulorum premissorum
fidem et testimonium hiis litteris nostris certificatoriis sigil-
lum nostrum episcopale apponi fecimus. Datum in palatio
nostro Exon^ xix. die Aprilis, anno Dni 1581^ et ng^tre
oonsecrationis anno secundo/' ^
In the 9th book of F. Hertry More's History of the
English Proy. of S. J.^ we read that the Rey. Thomas Laiih-
waite, who passed by the name of Scott, after completing
his higher studies at Seyille^ and receiying holy orders^
• In his Act-Book, 3rd September, 1693, he acknowledgee the receipt
of the order of the Privy Council of 26th August to make diligent
inquiry of all wiyes, servants, and others, recusants in his diocese.
Obiit 13 Martii proximo sequentis.
IN DEV0N8HIRB AND CORNWALL. 6
embarked at St. Lacar for England. Landing at Plymouth^
he was apprehended there on suspicion of being a priest, and
carried before Sir Warwick Kele, Knight, a justice of the
peace, who tendered to him the oath of supremacy. On his
refusal to take it, he was rigorously searched to the very
skin: some Agnus' Dei and memorandums, and a sum of
twenty marks were found about his person. The money
Sir Warwick ordered to be restored to him, and took his
prisoner to his country house at Wembury. For two days
he was treated with humanity ; but finding that he could not
be persuaded to attend the Protestant church. Sir Warwick
made out his commitment to the county jail of Exeter, — a
notorious sink of vice, and misery, and pestilence. At the
expiration of three months, the assizes came on, and the
Rev. Father was sentenced to death, on the evidence of a
man who swore that he had seen him celebrate mass at
St. Lucar. A younger brother, Edward, a bigoted Protestant,
on hearing of his imprisonment and condemnation, hastened
down from Lancashire to convert him: the authorities
aUowed him free access for the purpose ; but at the end of
eight days' discussion he himself admitted the truth of the
Catholic faith, and was reconciled to the Church of God at
Christmas, 1604. In the sequel he entered into the ecclesi-
astical state, and after labouring in the Devonshire mission
with indefatigable zeal, died S^th June, 1643, aged sixty.
As for T^hamas, after six months' imprisonment, his sentence
of death was commuted for exile ; but he contrived to return
to England for the conversion of souls, and died quietly in
his native country on 10th June, 1655, aged 75.
In Walter Yonge's Diary,* from 1604 to 1628, and in
page 83, we read " that in June, 1625, a priest, being taken at
Mass in Mr. GifTord's house, near Southgate, in Exon, was
committed to prison, and very shortly after (upon special
command) delivered.''
The discovery of another priest, F. John Sweet, on 14th
November, 1621, in the house of Mr. Alexander Snelgrove,
of St, Lawrence's pariah, Exeter (who had married Alice
Risdon in May, 1606, as the parish register testifies), had
excited much more the public attention. F. Sweet was a
native of Devon, and a Jesuit. After supplying for some
time as penitentiary at Rome, he was ordered to the English
mission, where, according to F. Nathaniel Southwell (Bibli-
otheca Scriptorum S.J., p. 507), '^utilis evasit operarius, et
mnltomm in Christo fihorum parens." He had reached
* Pabliahed by the Camden Society.
6 8TATB OF CATHOLICITY
Exeter on one of his joumevs towards Bableigh^ in the
north of Devon^ passing by tne name of Doux. From the
origuial letters in the archives of the Mayor and Chamber^
I copy '' the list of the things that were found in the priest's
pocket and bag : '' —
^H. In his pocket one Masse booke, intituled * Ex Missali Romano
Ordo Missfls.*
** 2. One letter from John Risdon unto Mr. Dowes, mencyonyng the
sending of his bagg unto hitn, wherein the supersticious and Massing
trinckets weare.
** S, One note of some oontribuclons from certayne persons.
** 4. Six other smale papers.
^'6. One redde boxe with certayne wafer cakes herein of diverse
impressions & figures ; som round, som square.
'' Found in the said Dowes his chamber in Alexander
Snelgrove's house : —
^*l. A leather Bag^ before mencyoned, wherein we found one little
Manuscript of Questions and Answeares ooncemynge the Protestant
Religion.
** 2. One Booke of * The Author and Substance of the Protestant
Church/
« 3. One Lattyn Bible.
**4t. One other booke with a black fforrell, intituled 'Breviarium
Romanum ex decreto Sacrosanct! Consilii Tridentini restitutum,' with
two pictures in the same booke, the one of the Cyrconcysion of Criste,
the other of Crist crucifyed.
** 6, One other little booke, intituled * The Love of the Soule.'
** 6. One challys of silver parcell guilte, and a crucyfixe on the foote
thereof, with a little plate of silver parcell guilt to carry the wafer
cake.
** 7. One white boxe of bone to keen a picture in.
** 8. One red purse of cloth of gould, and herein a Casket with 3 little
boxes of Oyle herein."
The Mayor of Exeter^ Walter Boroughs^ lost no time in
sending an official report of the capture to the Privy Councilj
through John Prowse^ the M.P. for that city, then in London,
who wrote back, on the 24th November, 1621 : " I did no
sooner receyve your letters by Mr. Recorder's man, but I
presently delyvered that which you sent to the Lords of the
Counsell, to Mr. Secretary, understanding before by Sir
Clement Edmonds, that the Lords would not sit to-morrow.
His Honour promised me to make the Lords acquainted
therewith; and I shall attend him for their resolution, wish-
ing that you had not omitted in that letter the speech of
Risdon reported by his boye, which would have been won-
drous materiall. But, as I shall find opportunitie, I will
lu-ge the same, and so will acquaint you what success your
good service shall recgy ve.''
On the last day of November, Mr. Prowse wrote to the
IN DEVONBHIBB AND COBNWALL. 7
Mayor: ^'The Lords did yesterdaie read yonr letter con-
cerning Sweete^ who (as Mr. Secretary tells me) have ordered
2 pnrsivants to ride to Exeter and to reoeyre him from your
cnstodie to be brought up hyther^ together with a letter from
them to that purpose. It maie be that theise pursyvants
will be with you before theise lines : but, howsoever, I could
not forgett myselfe so much as not to advertise you of my
care in this busynesse/'
The copy of the Lords' warrant to John Poulter and
Leonard Joyner, two of the messengers of his Majesty^s
chamber, runs thus : —
** Thds shalbe to will and require you to make y' ymediate repare to
the Cittie of Exeter, aud receavinge from the Malor there the person
of one Johu Sweete, whom he will deliver unto you, to hring him forth-
with in your companye and under your safe custodie unto us — ^Willinge
and requiringe all Maiors, Sheriffs, Justices of Peace, Baylifffl^ Con-
stables^ and aU other his Majestjr's Officers to he aydinge and assistinge
nnto you in the full and due Execucion of this our Warrant, Whereof
neither vou nor they may faile att your perill. And this shalbe unto
vou and them a sufficient Warrant. Dated at Whitehall the 29th of
November, 1621.
«* Jo, Ltncoln, C.S. Mandbvill. E. Wobstbb.
^'AaUNDBLL AND SUBBBT.
^ Edmokds, G. Calvxbt. Jul. CissAB.
" Edmonds."
^ To our very loveinge Friends the Mayor and
Aldermen of the Cittie of Exeter.
** After our hearty commendations We have rec'^ your letter of the 19th
of this present concerning the Apprehension of one JohnSweete^ iuppoaed
to he a JesuUy and what course you have taken for his forthcommg, as
well in respect of his refusal to make answer unto you upon his exaniina-
tion, as of the many superstitious things found about him and in his
Lod^^ings after he was apprehended. For your caref uU and dbcreet pro-
ceedmgs wherein, as We do give you hearty thanks and much commend
your diligence ; so forasmuch as We think it requisite that he be
brought up hither to be further examined before us, to which purpose
we have sent these Bearers, Messengers of his Majesty's Chamber, to
receive him from you and to bring him under their safe custody to us.
These shalbe to will and rec[ture you to deliver the said John Sweete
unto them to be brought hither accordingly, for which this shall be
your Warrant. And so we bid you heartily farewell. From Whitehall
the 29th of November, 1621.
** Your loveing Friends
•* Jo. Lincoln, C.S.
** Mandbvillb. E. Wobcbstbb.
^Abundbll and Subbbt.
** T. Edmondbs. Geo. Calvbbt. Jul. Casab.
"C. Edmondbs."
** Pcstscript. — You are likewise to send umto us the examinations
taken by you conoemynge the said Sweete. ** Lbnox."
8 8TATB OF CATHOLICITY
An indorsement shows that this warrant was received by
the mayor " on the 9th of December at night/' On the 11th
of that month was written the following receipt on the back
of the Lords' warrant : —
" XI die Decemhrisy Anno XIX^ Regni RegU nunc.
** We John Poulter and Leonard Joyner, Messengers of his Majestv's
Chamber, by virtue of a Warrant to us granted by the Lords of his
Majesty's InriTie Councell, have receyved of Walter Borou^b, Maior of
tbe Citiie of Exeter, the bodye of Joiin Sweete, together witb a leather
bagge sealed, to be delirered to the Lords of his Majesty's Privye
Counsel!. Wee saye reseved the xi*^ of December, 1621.
"Jobs Poultbr.
** Lbonabd Jotnkr."
The worthy priest remained^ I believe^ a close prisoner in
London until after the accession of King Charles I. Such
was the importance attached to the capture of one of our
clei^!
About this very time the following letters were addressed
to the Mayor and Aldermen of Exeter by that intolerant
and persecuting lawyer and justice Richard Reynell^ of
Greedy Wiger, near Crediton, Esq. He had been sworn a
counsellor for Exeter on 16th Septemberj 1617 : —
" Right Worshipfull,
•* I have receayed y' second letter of the xix* of this instant
November, whereby I heare you have addressed vour letters to y* Lords,
dec. God blesse vour labours. Upon y' former fetters 1 sent my servant
with warrants for Sataheot, Billy 4tc, But they had notice of all jr'
proceedings two hours before day y* Sunday night, and of the said
letter to me, and sent there secret friends to y* Constables t^ learn
whether they had receaved any warrants from me to search, &c. And
old Baggot was seen ryding to and from y* Popish House^ there affirm- •
ing that some were coming from me, wnereby the Service is lyke to
receive some defeat for this time. But I have sent for old Baggot. I
marvel how they should so speedily have notice of your doings and
letters. I expect Baggot this morning, if he may be found : and so till
then I do with m^ due respect commend you to the Lord, who directs
us herein, die. &c
^ RiCHABD RbTNEIiL."
*^ 1 wish you had descrybed S. Hill by his stature and ^)parell, etc.
—R.R."
"Right Worshipful!,
'< 1 have receaved y' letter and thereby learn the great care you
have of the safetye of the State and of y« Citye, It is true, the cause
concemes God and y* King ; and there&re titt we should be most care-
full therein. I acknowledge your example doth much inoourage me to
do my best endevor in that behalf, for which purpose I will aoooiding
to your advice send out warrants, and tliat by a servant of myne owne,
IN DBY0N8HIBB AND CORNWALL. 9
to the entent I may be aecertayned what may be done thereby. The
Lord give a blessing unto our indevors in this behalf : to whose mercy-
full proteccion I do with my due respect commend you, &c.
** Richard Retnsll."
One John Beadon^ a Catholic^ of Exeter, for having visited
F. Sweet in this high jail, was himself committed to prison
on 8th December, 1621.
In the Becord-oflSoe^ within the Castle of Exeter, I met
with the following order of the magistrates in sessions
assembled, to search the honaes of George Eveleigh and
Thomas Babbington : —
'« Easter Sessions Anno tettio JaeM R. 1606.
''Whereas We have credible information given us of great resorte
made in the nyght season and other unlawful tymes to the houses of
€hotye£veleUiAe* of Ottery St. Maiye, Esq., and of Thomas BahbUigtm^
of the same. Gen**, of Recusants, Papists, and other persons ill affected
to His Majesty, and not conformable to the Law of this Realm : some
also of those that repair thither being yehementiv suspected to be eyther
Seminaries, Jesuits, or Massing Priests, and to bring with them Popish
Books, Vestments and other unlawful Reliques : in regard there hath
been of late diyerse directions from His Highness, the Lords of bis
Council and other Ministers of Justice for the apprehending and finding
out of such. Wee doe therefore in his Majesty's name and in further-
ance of that service will and command you, that all such Umes as
Roberte Haidon, Eec^., one of our Colleagues, shall signify unto you, you
make Privy Search in the said Howses for the apprehending of such
disloyal Persons and finding of such Popish Books and other Reliques
aforesaid^ and having any, that you bring them to some of us to be
examined and further proceeded with, as to justice appertaineth.
Whereof We charge you not to fail, as you will answer the contrary to
your uttermost perils.
*«To the High Constable and Pet^ Constobles of
St. Mary Ottery and to every of them."
I have seen the will of Bichard Tremayne, of Tregonen^ in
St. Ewe's parish, bearing date 30th September, 1609, in
which he states he had been " a convicted recusant, and for
many years had been contemned and hated by the world.''
Was he not condemned to perpetual imprisonment with
i to perpet
Perhaps he
Sir Francis Tregian? t Perhaps he was restored to liberty
* In the Act-Book of Dr. Cotton, bishop of Exeter, I observe the
marriage licence granted dOth September, 1612, to this George Evdeigh
and Bridget Fursdon^ of Fursdon, in Cadbury parish. The Fursdons
were then Catholics. At Michaelmas Sessions, 1600, Petronell Fursdon,
wife of William Fursdon, of Cadbury, Thomas Fursdon and his sister
Alice, of Thorrerton, were presented as Papists.
t In voL iiL of Dariee Gilbert's Cornwall, p. 360, the Tregian estate
is said to have been estimated at £3^000 per annum, which, with all
hia ready money, was seized by Q,ueen Elisabeth. Recovering his
freedom after twenty-eight years' incaroeratioii» but ruined in fortune
and impaired in constitution, he proceeded to Lisboiit where he died
10 STATS OF CATHOLICITY
with him after twenty-eight years' confinement^ soon after
the accession of King James I.
In Rymer's Foedera, torn. xix. p. 170, we read that John
Hunter^ of St. Stephen's, Cornwall, was tried and convicted
at Exeter, on the 3rd Angust, 1629, of haying asserted at
Chndleigh, on the preceding 28th June, that ** the Pope of
Borne is head of the Church, and hath spiritual jurisdiction
within the territories of Christian princes/' The poor man,
terrified at the prospect of a cruel execution, took the oaths
of allegiance and supremacy in full court, and acknowledged
himself guilty of the offence. In consequence, the judge
recommended him to mercy, and King Charles I. issued a
special pardon to him on 22nd of June, 1630.
About this time the Eev. Thomas BuUaker, O.8.F., landed
at Plymouth to begin his missionary career, when he was
apprehended on the information of the master of the vessel,
and brought before the mayor of that town, who committed
him to its loathsome jail, without any other bed but the bare
ground during the severe weather. At the end of eight
days he was removed to that den of infection the county
jail at Exeter, where he had to pass the remainder of the
winter of 1630, with ruin to his constitution. At the next
Lenten assizes he was produced for trial. The only evidence
brought against him was that of a sailor, who showed a book
taken from the prisoner, and which he called a Missal. On
its being examined by the Court, it turned out to be a Spanish
histoiy, which Mr. Bullaker had got to amuse him during
the voyage ; and as no proof could be adduced of his priestly
character, he was eventually discharged from custody. The
apostolic man repaired to London, and devoted the eleven
following years to the instruction of the poor and afflicted.
On 11th September, 1643, whilst celebrating mass in the
house of Mrs. Powell, the daughter of Sir Henry Brown, of
the Montague family, and during the recital of Gloria in
Ejccelsis, he was seized by the apostate Wadswortb, and
hurried before the Sheriff of London. Conviction of the
being a priest according to the order of Melchisedech followed,
and the 12th of the following month witnessed his hanging
and dismemberment at Tyburn, set. thirty-eight; Bel. 19,
Sacerd. 14. One of his arm-bones is respectfully preserved
in St. Elizabeth's Convent at Taunton.
During the unfortunate civil wars, the Catholics had to
drink the chalice of affliction to the very dregs. The Parlia-
25ih September, 1008, aged 00. The king of Spain had granted him
a pension of sixty cruziMlos per month. But more of this confessor
of the faith in ArFBN niz No. II.
IN DBVON8H1BB AND CORNWALL. 11
ment required of the commissioiiers '' to use their utmost
endeavours to discover all Popish recusants; to administer
the oath of abjuration to all persons upon whom there shall
be suspicion of Popish recusancnr ; and if any such refuse to
take the same, proceed forthwitn to seize and sequester two-
thirds of their real and personal estate/' Amongst some of
the fiedthfiil so denounced and convicted, we find Sir Edward
Gary, who held the impropriate rectorial tithes of Mary
Church and Paignton, and lands in Staverton and Stokenham.
Sir Robert Brett, who had the rectory of Yarcombe.
John Poyntz, of Arlington.
John Coffin, of Parkham.
William Oiffard, of Bucland Brewer.
Anthony Giflhrd,^ of Lancras.
Garret Dillon, of Morthoc.
Walter Grant.
Susan Chichester, widow.
Dorothy Berry.
George Bayley, of Langtre.
Dorothy Risdon, of Harberton.t
Thomas Marsh, of Rewe.t
* Hu ^^ye-8tone fronting the oommunion-table in Lancras Church
bears a triple cross, with this legend :— ^ Hie jacet Antonius Giffordus,
Dominos ae Lancrass, Vir vere pius et Cathohcus. Ob. 14 Feb. 1649."
f In Wyot's Register, quoted m Gribble's Hist, of Barnstaple, p. 628.
~** Assizes at Exeter, March, 1602.— The Lord Chief Baron sent to the
common gaol Mrs. Giles Risdon and Mr. William Burgoyne, beii^
recasants, there to remayne at hb pleasure : if they had rather eo to
gaol than to church, much good mignt it doe them ; I am not of tneyr
mynde."
X The following I copy from the original in the possession of Charles
Noel Welman, of Norton Court, Esq.
^ At the Standing Committee for the County of Devon, the 16th day
of Oct. 1646.
** Whereas the Farm of Heasell, in the Parish of Rewe, now is and
standeth sequestered, being the Farm of Thomas Marsh, of Rewe
aforesaid, Gent., a Papist^ It is ordered by this Committee, that Thomas
Barton, of SilYerton, m tne countie aforesaid, Gent, shall hold, possesse,
and enjoy the same Farm of Heasell, which Farm is hereby set and
deinysea unto the said Tho*. Barton for one yeere, w^^ yeere is to
begin from the feast of St. Michael the Archangel last before the date
hereof and the said yeere to end at the feast of St. Michael the Arch-
angel next after the date hereof; for which terme the said Tho*. Barton
is to pay the Rent of Fifty five Pounds yeerely, by even and equall
porcions, unto the Treasurer of the Committee ; the first payment to
Begin at Christmas next. Ordered that the said Tho*. Barton shall pay
unto Charles Vaghan, Esq, Treasurer, for such profitts as he hath taken
out of the said Farm since June last, the sum of Twenty Markes.
**JoHN Champnbys. Philip Frahois. John Beare.
" John Barton. Cuarlbs Vaghan. Tim. Alsop."
12 STATE OF CATHOLICITY
Thomas Kirkham, of Bidwell^ Newton St. Gyres.
William Kirkham^ of Pinhoe.
Arthur Trevelyan, of Littleham.
John Holford^ of Sampford Peverell.
John Bowe^ of Starerton.
The Lady Wrey^ who had rents in Sourton.
Robert Bayly.*
George Blount^ of Ashcombe.
In the State-paper Office^ amongst the proceedings of the
committee for managing the estates under sequestration^ I
find the following entries : —
^* 16th Nov. 1654. Thomas Riadon, an infant, by Charles Maynard,
Grent., his {guardian, petitioner to dischaive sequestration of lands fallen
to him by the death of father and mother : two-thirds whereof were
sequestered for the recusancy of Dorothy Risdon, deceased, his mother.
Ordered.
*'4th Jan. 1654/5. William Bavly and John Cleverdon, Gents., for
discharge of sequestration of fds of lands in Devon, made over to them
for ten years bv Humphrv Coffin, Grent., under sequestration for the
recusancy of John Coffin, his father, deceased. Referred.
'*18th Jan. 1654/5. Christopher Maynard, discharged of seques-
tration of lands purchased by him of Thomas Cary, now under seques-
tration for recusancy of Sir Edward Cary, deceased. Ordered.
" 25th Jan. 1654/5. PetiUon of John Giffiord, infant, by Thomas
Leigh, of Northam, Esq., his guardian, for allowance of title to lands
which came to him by death of his mother Honor Giffi^rd, \b of which
were sequestered for recusancy. Ordered.
« 1st Feb. 1654/5. Petition of Wm. Leigh, Gent., for discharge of
sequestration of half the manor of Upton, sequestered for the recusancy
of Anthony Gifford, deceased. Ordered.
« 25th Feb. 1654/5. Petition of Sir Wm. Courtena^r, Wm. Kirkham,
and Christopher Maynard, for sequestration to be discharged on lands
in Devon, made over to them by Sir George Cary, for payment of
debts, &c, Is whereof are sequestered for recusancy of his late father.
Sir Edward Cary. Ordered.
<'22nd March, 1654/5. Petition of Jqhu Maynard, Seneant-at-Law,
to discharge two-thirds of certain copyholds within the Manor of Beer
Ferris, for recusancy of Thomasin Wakeman, widow.
'* N.B. The Earl of Worcester in 1648, a Papist, held in Devon the
manors of Denbuxy and Chumleiffh, and some other detached parcels,
bringing a net rent of £289. 6«. 3a.
** The Marquis of Winchester had also the manors of North Bovey,
Hempston Arundell, Brixham, East Portlemouth, Bigbury, Denbury,
Chamleigh, and Wolston, whose total rent was £576. 89. ll^i^."
The restoration of monarchy did not afford much relief to
the persecuted Catholics. On 13th September^ 1667, the
* His lands in Doddiscomblegh were sequestered for recusancy on
19th February, 1646. Obiit 10th November, 1653.
IN DBTON8HIRS AND CORNWALL. 13
Privy Council addressed a letter to the justices of the peace
for the county of Devon^ setting forth^ that '^ notwithstanding
his Majesty's proclamation^ and the laws^ and the endeavours
of his ministers and judges^ to suppress the growth of Popery,
according to the desires of both Houses of Parliament in that
behalf, yet many Popish priests are as active as ever to seduce
his Majesty's good subjects, and to persuade them to embrace
the Popish religion, and therein have the help and encourage-
ment of many of that persuasion, who (although obnoxious
to law) have of late behaved themselves very bold and
insolently; for the prevention of which growing mischief,
and for the preservation of the true Protestant religion,
his Majesty hath commanded us to signify to you his ex-
press pleasure and command, that you, in your respective
divisions, do use your utmost endeavours to apprehend
all Popish priests and Jesuits that endeavour to seduce and
pervert his Majesty's subjects ; and that if any of them be
by them seduced and perverted to become Papists, you do
strictly examine the persons led away to the Romish religion,
and make further and diligent inquiry who have been the
instrument and means in their seducement and perversion,
whether priests or others; and that, according to his
Majesiy's said proclamation, you proceed against them
according to law established. And that further, you cause
the laws against the growth of Popery and Papist recusants,
and for their conviction, to be put in due and full execution.''
This intolerant letter I have seen, with the fifteen original
signatures. Amongst them is that of Sir Thomas Cl^ord
(literwards the Lord Treasurer), who five years later made
the amende honorable, by recondling himself to the religion
which he had sought to proscribe.
The Conventicle Act of King Charles II. provided that
every person above sixteen years of age present at any
meeting, under pretence of any exercise of religion in other
manner than is the practice of the Church of England, when
there are five persons more than the household, shall for the
first offence, by a justice of the peace be recorded, and sen-
tenced to jail for three months till he pay £5 ; and for the
second offence, six months till he pay £10 ; and the third
time being convicted by a jury, he shall be banished to some
of the American plantations I
And when the public mind was maddened by the unblush-
ing peijuries of Titus Oates, though the king from the
beginning was satisfied that the plot was ^' all a fiction, never
believing one tittle of it;" yet did he not sport with the
character, the property, the liberties, and the lives of his
14 STATE OF CATHOLICITY
innocent and loyal Catholic subjects? In Tain have I
searched for the names of the " seven Popish priests '' whom
his detestable policy hurried to the Sdlly Icdands in 1681.
See the moneys paid for his secret service^ 9th March of
that year.
To the Catholics^ sitting in darkness and writhing under
the scorpions of persecuticvi, it was a relief and comfort to
behold in the person of James II. an open professor of their
faith, and a champion of the rights of conscience. Then " a
mass-house was opened in Exeter/' to use the words of
Calamy, Hist. vol. i. p. 391. This excited the black bile of
that fanatical ranter George Trosse, whose epitaph in St.
Bartholomew's-yard, Exeter, describes him as the greatest of
sinners, the least of the saints, and the most unworthy of
preachers ! His Majesty was pleased to appoint to the office
of High Sheriff of Devon, in 1687, a most respectable
Catholic gentleman, viz. John Rowe,* of Kingston, Esq.,
who died in 1688.
With the Revolution came the re-action of the popular
fren^ against the unoffending Catholics. The Exeter
" mass-house '^ was levelled to the ground : its priest,
F. Morris, narrowly escaped: all personal liberty and pro-
perty were insecure. The double land-tax was imposed and
exacted, and the reward of £100 for the discovery of a priest
held out a daily temptation to mercenaries, and to unprin-
cipled servants and false brethren, to turn informers against
chaplains and their patrons. Nay, though the edge of the
penal laws grew gradually blunted under the government of
the house of Brunswick, yet in all times of political commo-
tion, we were liable to suffer £rom their cutting force until
the year 1778.t
* To show the despotism and grinding misery which Catholics for^
merly had to endure, I transcribe the following extract from an original
letter written in 1613 : — ** Mr. Bo we [he was an ancestor of this sheriff
of Devon aboye mentioned] was sent for up to London, for that being witli
a knight of his acquaintance, when it was objected that the Paj^xts had
poisoned Henry, prince of Wales, he answered, it might as well be the
PrifUstanU; for tnat he had more of them about him. The which the
said knight repeating at another time what he heard a gentleman say
of his acquaintance (where a Scot was present), he was forced to bring
forUi the same gentleman ; and it cost Mr. Howe forty pounds before
he was released?'
t See Proclamations of Geo. II., dated 6th Sept. and 6th Dec. 1745,
in vol. XV. Gent. Mag. 1745. Even we read in the Universal Museum,
a complete magazine of 1767, March : " Another mass-house was dis-
covered in Hog-lane, near the Seven Dials." P. 41, March: "John
Baptist Malony, a Popish priest^ was taken up for exercising his func-
tions in Kent-street contrary to law. He is bound over in i^400 to
IN DBYONSHIBB AND CORNWALL.
15
I conclude this first chapter with an extract from a letter
I received from a lamented firiend^ Miss Margaret Sweetland,
dated " Tunbridge Wells, 25th June, 1840/' " We have here
at present the fEunily of Mr. Loughnan. He was a highly
respectable merchant in London: his lady was a Miss
Hamilton, niece to old Sir Alexander Hamilton, who lived at
the Retreat, near Topsham. The knight left his fortune to
this Mr. Loughnan's eldest son, on the condition of his
conforming to the Established Church; but should he refuse
the condition, it was to be offered to all the six sons, one
after the other. The parents are thankful to be able to say,
they were all too firmly rooted in their Catholic ficdth to
accept it. The person who now has it was next in succession,
and a Protestant, and changed his name only (Kelso) to take
possession. Sir Alexander Hamilton died at the Retreat^
12th June, 1809, aged seventy-seven, and was buried in the
parish church of Topsham/'
take his trial at the next Kingston assizes." P. 455 : " N.B. He was
convicted at Croydon on 2drd Augast, and sentenced to perpetual
imprisonment." See p. 4d5, ihid. (His crime was administering the
Sacrament to a sick man. After four years' imprisonment he was
banished from England for life.) Again, in p. 267, May, 1767: **A
Popish mass-house in the Park, Southwark, was suppressed ; but the
officiating priest escaped at a back-door." P. 379, 16th July : "The
archbishop of York, in obedience to his Majesty's commands, has
required of the sufiragan bishops of his province to procure complete
lists of all Papists, or reputed Papists, distinguishing sex, age, occu-
pation, and length of residence." And in p. 381 : " The archbishop of
Canterbury has been directed to make out a similar return."
The Rev. James Webb was tried for priesthood in the Court of Kin^s
Bench, 25th June, 1768, and the Hon. and Rt. Rev. James Talbot in
1769, but escaped for want of evidence of his priesthood. In 1770
Sir William Stanley, of Hooton, Bart., was indicted for refusing to part
with his four coach-horses to a church dignitanr, who had tendered nim
a £20 note ; but was acquitted on the ground of its not then being a
legal tender.
16 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
CHAPTER II.
BOMB N0TICB8 Or CATHOLIC FAKILIB8 IN DEVONSHIRE AND
COENWALL.
The Arundells of Lanheme formerly possessed such pro-
perty and inflaepce as to have acquired, according to Leland^
the epithet of the "Great Arundells/' And Carew, the
Cornish historian, adds, "they were the greatest for love,
living, and respect heretofore in the country/' But though
entitled to the highest consideration by antiquity of descent,
dignity of connections, and extent of lands and royalties,
they placed their highest honour in the practice and munifi-
cent protection of religion. Unfortunately, one of the family,
Humphry Arundell, Esq., the governor of St. Michael's
Mount, in the reign of King Edward VI. attempted to sup-
port the old faith by open insurrection; forgetful of the
maxim, " non resistendo sed perferendo." In the sequel he
fell a victim to the avenging law of his country. He was
executed at Tyburn in November, 1549.
Sir John Arundell (son of Sir John Arundell, who had
died 24th March, 1558) was, on account of his religion, with
his servant Glynn, committed to prison by Queen Elizabeth
in 1581. He was eventually discharged; but this servant
died in confinement. The worthy knight survived until
17th January, 1591, according to the Isleworth Register.
His daughters Gertrude and Dorothy, on 11th July, six years
later, consecrated themselves to Gt>d in the Benedictine
Convent at Brussels.
The next successor to the property, John Arundell, was in-
deed a great sufferer for conscience' sake. In a letter before me
of F. Richard Blount, dated 7th November, 1606, he says : —
** Catholics are daily more and more impov^erished ; for besides that
his Majesty has the whole forfeiture, either of two-tliirds of the lands
and all goods, or else twenty pounds monthly of such as are able : they
are all given to Scots, to be yet more nanWly sifted and ransacked, if
some composition be not made with them. In this manner Mr. Talbot^
Mr, John Arund^* Mr. Throgmorton, and all others of any ability^
• Among the papers at Wardour Castle are two, of" which the
endoTsations attest to the sufferings of Lord Arundell's ancestors : —
1. — Recusancy of John Arundell.
20 Feb. 4 Jac. 1. 1607.
Letters-patent of King James I., directing the officers of the Court of
DEVONSHIRE AND COENWALL. 1?
are begged and forced to oompound, or elae to be in danger, by one
means or other, to lose aHU*
From a letter in the State-paper Office^ dated 21st October^
1642^ by a Parliamentarian, I make the following extract : —
^ Mr. Arundell hath the greatest forces here, and is able to raise
more than half the gentlemen in ComwaUy and he alone was the first
that began the rebellion there. There hath lately been landed at some
creek in that county ten or more seminary priests, which are newly
come out of Flanders, and harboured in Mr. Arundell's house.* They
are merciless creatures; and there is great way laid for the appre^
hension of them."
This gentleman bad to suffer the sequestration of his
estates for many years, and it cost him nearly £3,000 to get
off at last. In the sequel of this compilation, we shall see
that this illustrious family had to submit to many painful
sacrifices until the relaxation of the penal laws; but ''they
chose rather to be afflicted with the people of Ood, than to
have the pleasure of sin for a time^ esteeming the reproach
of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world : for
they looked to the reward.^'
The Courtenays yield to few families in the British empire,
or even in Europe, in antiquity of descent and splendour of
connection. " Atavis edite regibus '' may justly be said of
their illustrious pedigree ; but when they ceased to be Catho-
lics I cannot determine with accuracy. Henry Courtenay,
E.G., the eleventh earl of Devon, created marquis of Exeter
18th June, 1625, whose mother was Catherine of York,
daughter of King Edward lY., sister to Elizabeth, the Queen
of Henry VII., and aunt to King Henry VIII., was sacri«
ficed, by a breach of the most sacred laws of justice, to the
gloomy suspicions of that remorseless tyrant, the last-men->
tioned monarch, on 9th January, 1539. '^ Odium Tyranni
in virtutemetNobilitatem.^' — (Apologia Cardinalis Poli, 118.)
Edward, the only son of the marquis, and but thirteen years
Exchequer not to seize any of the lands of John ArundeU, Esq., con-
victed of recusancy, so long as he paid £20 a month for not frequenting
church, &c. {£2A0 per ann,)
2.--20 June, 34 Eliz. 1591.
Recusancy of George Arundell, Esq,
John Maynard, Yeoman the
G^'Z'SddirSq.of Lan- ^ Fine £20 a month,
hem^ Cornwall.
( Fir
* There is an hereditary tradition at Lanherne that the Blessed
Sacrament has always been kept there since the Reformation.
c
18 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
old when his father fell into disgrace, was committed to the
Tower^ where he remained in close confinement from 1538
until 1553, his manners and education being totally neg-
lected. One of the first acts of Queen Mary at her accession
to the throne was to release him from his cruel imprison-
ment. On 3rd September she issued letters patent creating
him Earl of Devon, to hold to him " et heredibus suis mas-
culis in perpetuum ;^' and according to F. Persons' '^ History
of Domesticall Difficulties in the English Catholic Cause/' he
*' was designed to be a husband to Queen Mary, if the matter
had not been strongly laboured and overthrown by the con-
trary faction of Lord Paget/' It is true that Bishop Crardiner
promoted such union with all the influence of his station. But
his own misconduct ruined all his prospects : his ungrateful
disloyalty caused his recommittal to the Tower in April, 1554 ;
thence he was removed to Fotheringay Castle. After the
Queen's marriage with Philip of Spain he was permitted to
travel abroad, and dying of an ague at Padua, 18th September,
1556, was honourably buried in St. Anthony's Church there.
Sir William Courtenay, the fifth of that name, of Powder-
ham Castle, the founder of the great Irish estate, was so stanch
a Catholic, that he (as well as his daughter Elisuibetb, wife of
Sir William Wrey) was denounced by the intolerant House of
Commons on 27th April, 1624, aa the Papist recusant. Cleave-
land, in his Genealogical Hist, of the Courtenays, represents
that " he did receive into his house, and harbour the Jesuits
and other Popish priests, which came secretly into England,
and spent a great deal of money in maintaining of them.
For there is a tradition, that in a dark, secret room, which is
in Powderham Castle, many Popish priests lay concealed."
The venerable knight died in London on 24th June, 1630, aged
seventy-seven, and was buried at Powderham. On opening
the family vault for the interment of Lady Frances Courtenay
on 31st December, 1761, was discovered the brass Maltese
cross referred to by Cleaveland, about six inches long and
four wide, inscribed thus : —
Hie
jacet
Sepultus
Gulielinus Courtenay de Powderham Miles
CatholicuB Romanus et Confessor
qui obiit Londini in feeto Sancti Johannis Baptistss
Anno Salutis 1630 letatis suie 77° pro cujus
Anima intercedant
Beata Vireo
et omnes Sanctu
DEVONSHIRB AND CORNWALL. 19
Mr. Chappie^ in his Notes, says that it was thrown again
into the lower part of the vanlt.
Sir William Cotfrtenay, only son of Thomas Courtenay,
who was the third son of the Confessor above mentioned,
received the honoar of knighthood for his gallant conduct
9th April, 1644v Five years later this " Papist recusant '' was
allowed to compound for one-third of his estates in Hants*
He had married Mary, the relict of Gilbert WeUs, of
Brambridge, in that county. I lose sight of him after
February, 1655.
A powerful branch of the Courtenays, in the early part of
King Henry YI/s i^ign, obtained possession of MoUand Bot-
reaux, by intermarriage with the Hungerfords. This branch
remained Catholic until John Courtenay in 1732 deceased
without issue. His ancestor John Courtenay, who died in
1660, had compounded for his recusancy in the sum of £750*
The Chichesters of Arlington persevered in the religion of
their forefathers until the representative of this ancient
family, John Palmer Chichester, read his recantation in
Bxeter Cathedral, about the vear 1795. His death occurred
at Weymouth on 5th November, 1828, aet. fifty-four. Until
this unhappy defection, a priest had been maintained as
chaplain in the family. His younger brother, Charles Chi-
chester, settled at Calverleigh Court, and lived and died a
sterling Catholic. His son walks in his footsteps.
Strange to say, though Popery and treason were considered
nearly as qnionymous in the eye of the law, yet license to
commit Popery and its prospective pardon might be had for
money, fixim the heads of the Anglican Church and defenders
of the Faith. Their martyr Charles I. loved to traffic in
such indulgences. In fol. 36 of the Patent Book of Dr.
Hall, bishop of Exeter, the author of '^ Dissuasive &om
Popery,*' is copied his Majesty's allowance, under the Great
Seal of England, and bearing date 14th March, third year
of his reign, 1628 (and exhibited ten years later to the said
Lofd Bishop), to John Chichester, of Arlington, Esq., and to
his wife Ann, to remain recusants, &c., and with exemption
from all citations, pains and penalties, during the yearly
payment of a spedfied sum of money to the Crown. A similar
one is there recorded in favour of Francis Kirkham, of
Pinhoe, gentleman, and Elizabeth his wife, dated 21st April,
1639, " durante soltUione pecunueJ' The loyal Sir Edward
Cary got discharged on 24th June, 1634, by letters-patent
under the Great Seal (which were enrolled in the Pipe Office
20th October following), as well for himself as for his wife
Margaret, ''ratione recusantise suse, vel absentia bus ab
c 2
20 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
ecclesi^ yel ecdeaiis^ capellis sive aliis locis communis pre^
cationis^ antehac seu imposternm/' as long as £136. 13«. 4J.
be paid every year into his Majesty's exchequer.*
Before I part with the Courtenays of Holland, and the
Cbichesters of Arlington^ I must refer to the letter in the
State-paper Office, of 21st October, 1642, where I read this
statement of the parliamentary bigot : — " There hath ben
more substantial armour found in Mr. Chichester's house at
Arlington, and at Master Courtenay his house at Molland
(both recusants), than in our whole country (the gentry
excepted). At the searching of these gentlemen's houses
there were many wounded."
Of the Risdona of Bableigh, in Parkham parish, I can
glean but few particulars. The Bev. Edward Risdon was very
instrumental in the foundation of Douay College in 1568.
In the north aisle of Parkham church is this epitaph : —
Hoc tumulo reqniescit corpus
Wilmotoe Risdon Vidue
quondam Uxoris Thomae Risdon Armigeri
que yixit et mortna est in Fide Catholic^.
1617.
F. Sweet was mentioned in the preceding chapter as being
apprehended in Exeter, 14th November, 1621, on his way,
perhaps, from Powderham to Mr. John Risdon. Again,
P. Philip Powelj 0,8.B., was sent to "a good family,
Mr. Risdon's, in Devonshire, in 1622, and continued his
ministerial services in the family and its connections until
they were scattered by the civil wars." — See Challoner's
"Missionary Priests," where is related his martyrdom at
Tyburn, 30th June, 1646, set. fifty-three, miss, twenty-six.
When the Cory family returned to the faith of their fore-
fathers, I cannot determine ; but I incline to the opinion that
in the early part of King James I.'s reign. Sir Edward Gary
was reconciled. He had married Miss Margaret Blackhurst,
of Lancashire. Both died in 1654 ; f he on 14th June, aged
eighty ; she, five days later, in her eighty- fifth year. Their
constancy in their religion has entailed a blessing on their
descendants. Sir George, their eldest son, was enabled to
purchase Tor Abbey, in 1662 ; and I believe that nearly ever
since a priest might be found there. He, Sir Greorge, died
* As late even as 26th October, 1689^ ^< Roger, earl of Castlemain,
Sir Edward Hales, Charles Hales, and Obadiah Walter, prisoners in the
Tower, were brought to the bar of the House of Commons for high
treason, in being reconciled to the Church of Rome" — Hatsell's Prece-
dents, vol. iv. p. 259.
t See Appbkdix No. III.
DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL. 21
4th Jane, 1678. In the time of his son and heir, Edward
Gary, Esq., William, Prince of Orange, with a powerful
force, landed at Brixham. The following extract from the
diaiy of the Boy. John Whittie, a chaplain of his highness,
may amuse the reader : —
** 5th Noyember, 1688, we all lode at anchor in Torbay. There is a
fair house belonging to one Mr. Gary, a very rigid Papist^ who enter-
tained a priest in his house. This priest going to recreate himself on
the leads on the top thereof, it being a most delightesome day, as he
was walking there, he happened to cast his eyes towards the sea, and
spying the fleet at a distance, withal being purblind in his eyes, as
well as blinded by Satan in his mind, he presently concludes that it
was the French navy (because he saw divers white flags) come to land
the sons of Belial, which should cut ofi^ the children of God, or, as they
call us» hereticks. And being transported with joy, he hastened to
inform his own disciples of the house, and forthwith they sang ^Te
Deum.'
^^'And because false reports were spread abroad that the people of
this house had shot several of the Prince of Orange's soldiers, and
thereupon they had burnt down this house, I must inform the candid
reader that there was nothing at all in it. For our people did not give
them one reviling word, nor they us. Some lodged there, while we
were in the bay." — ^Page 36.
Another account says, —
** The prince, on Monday, 5th November, sent a Captain M. to search
Tor Abbey, and so all other houses belonging to Papists, for horses and
anna,"— See No. 710 of Exeter Flying Post.
The Gary family has remained immovable in the Catholic
faith since.
Some of the Godolphins of Cornwall professed the Catho«
lie creed. Sir William Godolphin (the elder brother of that
famous Sidney, created Lord Grodolphin and baron of Rial*
ton, 8th September, 1684) was sent ambassador to Spain by
King Charles II., and there embraced the Catholic faith,
and ended his days in that country. Dodd (vol. iii. of
his "Church Hist.'' p. 251) says, that "he left a consider-
able substance'' for the benefit of religion. In the procura-
tor's books of the Colleges at St. Omer and at Bruges, I find
mention of the " Gbdolphin's free place for Cornwall ;" and
in F. John Thorpe's letter, written from Rome in September,
1789, that—
<' Mr. Stonor, the agent of the English clergy at Rome, had presented
a petition several years before, at the request of Lord Arundell, for
recovering the maintenance of the Godolphin mission; bat obtained
notliing from Foggini, who then acted for Cardinal Corsini — ^that before
the suppression Si the Jesuits, the snm of between 300 and 400 crowns
used yearly to be passed to the English provincial of the Society for
the benefit of the Cfomish mission ; that the Rev. Mr. Waters, O.S.B.,
claimed the maintenance of a missioner in Cornwall ; and with a well-
22 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
concerted and cogent memorial presented authentic certificates of the
yearly payment of such maintenance up to the year 1773. The answer
of Car<final Corsini, approred of hy the Congregation de Propagand&,
was, that the funds had heen ruined ; but if the bishop of the western
district desired some help for sending a boy to the English college at
Rome* it would be bestowed upon him."
I pass by, for want of sufficient information^ the Kirk-
hams of Blagdon^ Pincoort^ and Bidwell ; the Reynolds of
Pinhoe ; the Borlases of Treluddra ; the Giffards of Halsbury ;
the PoUards of Horwood; the Fursdons of Fursdon; the
Rowes of Kingston; the Chesters of Bearscombe; the
Rowes of Endellion and Trevithick ; the Hannes of De-
viock; the Trevanions, a branch of the Dennis^ family;
the Knights of Axminster and Comb-pyne; and some few
others, — to invite a brief attention to the Cliffords.
This ancient family returned to the faith of its forefathers
in the person of Thomas, the Lord Treasurer Clifford, early
in 1672. As late as 17th July, 1671, he had procured
Dr. Anthony Sparrow, the Protestant bishop of Exeter, to
dedicate and consecrate a domestic chapel at Ugbrooke,
70 feet long and 30 broad, with a cemetery 84 feet long
and 24 broad. What led to his conversion, I cannot
pretend to discover; but Lord Shaftesbury had purposely
contrived the Test Act to exclude him and the duke of York
from the cabinet. To use the words of King James II. (see
the Life of thatt Sovereign compiled from the Stuart MSS.
in 1816, vol. i. p. 484), "This new Test had the effect in
outing Lord Clifford of the place of Lord Treasurer of
England, and of being any longer a privy councillor, who,
though a new convert, generously preferred his conscience to
his interest.'* The noble lord died at Ugbrooke on 17th
October, 1673, and, as the Chudleigh parochial register
testifies, " was buried the 19th day of October in his owne
* In the History of the English Friars Minors hy Davenport, who
lived for a time in the diooeee of Exeter, I read in pase 66 : — " Frater
Dennis sen Georgius Dionysii, generosA famitia Catholic^ in comitatu
Devoniensi prognatus, olim in obsidione et interceptione Bolonise sub
Henrico Octavo JFtegiusVexiilifer, ante Ordinis Sancti Francisci ultimam
suppressionem, sub Mari& (ut /rater ^ug nMlis, totus plenus dierum
et bonorum opemm, ante quadraginta plus minus annos ooculatus
rerum Testis hsec mM retulit) Grenovici habitum nostrum suscepit et
Novitius existens quod singularem denotat fervorem una cum Patribus
ad extcras nationes (Belgium^ cum habitu evolavit, et e Brabantil^
Leodium se conferens, apud Nostros diu post Professionem mortuus,
sepultus est in Ambitu ; cujus Epltaphium, jam ablatum, ibi Vidi."
Tlie book was printed at Douay in 1665. Q. Was not the informant
Sir Thomas D., son of the Sir Robert, who died at Bicton, 4th September,
1592?
DEVONSHIRB AND CORNWALL. 28
cbappell/' His honoured widow sumved until 2l8t Septem-
ber^ 1709^ set. eighty. She was a pious Catholic^ and^ as
such, is shamefully belied by^he fanatical minister John
Whittle, in page 45 of what he caUs his " Exact Diary of the
late Expedition of his illustrious Highness the Prince of
Orange into England.''
** From Newton the army passed by a Popish lady's house, which
was cruel to all her Protestant tenants : she forced some to turn Papists
or apostates. But bad the French king's army passed thus by a
Protestant house^ it should soon have been fired, the people put to the
sword, or burnt. But we have not so learned Christ ; nor ueen thus
taught by his ministers in our land : for no man molested this house ;
nor did anv visit it, unless a captain and some gentlemen, which would
have bought themselves horses there ; having lost their own at sea, and
so constrained to walk on foot till they could supply themselves with
more.'*
Hugh^ the second Lord Clifford^ in the year 1715^ as a
suspected friend of the House of Stuart^ was placed under
the surveillance of an officer appointed by the new dynasty.
In '' The Protestant Mercury," or " The Exeter Post-Boy/'
Friday, December, 16th, 1715, 1 read, "The Lord Clifford,
who has been for some time in custody, is ordered up to
town." Most probably he was set at liberty when the alarm
of invasion had subsided. " In him," says the biographer
Prince, " all the honours and virtues of his noble ancestors
seem to have been epitomized." In the generous preference
of conscience to interest, his descendants have continued
immovable, though they have witnessed many families and
friends bending the knee to Baal. In return for such
fidelity, the blessing of Heaven visibly rests upon them ; —
they rejoice in their children ; they depart in peace ; they
are acceptable to God and to man, and to all that dwell in
the land. In the language of the canticle, the writer offers
them his best wishes : " Qui diligunt te, sicut sol in ortu suo
splendet, ita rutilent." — Judges v. 31.
In concluding this chapter, I must remind the reader,
that during William III.'s reign a statistical account was
taken, by royal commission, of the exact number of Catholics
in England. The sum total was reduced by the desolating
influence of the penal laws to 27,696. Of this number but
298 were returned in the Diocese of Exeter. — See Dalrym-
ple's " Memoirs," vol. ii. 2nd ed. Appendix to Part II. The
" Ann. Lit. S.J." in 1710 states, " Pauci hie Catholici et fere
pauperes."
24 8TATK OF RELIGION IN
CHAPTER III.
THX ACTUAL 8TATB OF RBLIOION IN DBTONSHIRB AHD CORNWALL.
In forming the comparison and contrast of the state of reli-
gion withm the diocese of Exeter (which includes Devonshire
and Cornwall), between the former and the present times, we
have to mourn oyer the pillage and destruction of the records
and memorials of Catholic affairs, which perished irrecover-
ably in June, 1780, when the rioters attacked and burnt
Bishop Walmesley's house in Bell-tree Lane, Bath.
After Lanheme, the oldest mission in Cornwall, and
Arlington, the oldest in Devonshire, we believe that Tor
Abbey and Ugbrooke must take precedence in point of time.
Formerly the missionary priests were fortunate to find an
asylum where to rest their heads, — they were contented with
a bare subsistence. Most of them had no fixed abode ; the
conveniences of licensed places of worship, with contiguous
residences and regular stipends, and schools for instructing
their poor, were unknown. In order to elude the vigilance
of scouts and persecutors, they had to make their rounds to
the houses of the faithful under the cover of the midnight
darkness ; they were necessitated to assume different names,
to disguise their persons, to submit to irksome solitude, to
many slights, frequent denials of admission, — ''propter
metum Judaeorum,'' — in fine, they were doomed to live in
perpetual hazard of life and liberty. Though their course
was splendid in the sight of God and His angels, it was
abject and contemptible in the eyes of worldlings. These
industrious labourers in the vineyard of souls died neglected
and forgotten ; we rarely meet with a grave-stone to record
where they rested from their earthly labours; but their
names are written in heaven. The charitable zeal of these
pastors — the fervour and spirit of sacrifice in the breasts of
their dutiful children — may vie with the example of the
primitive days of Christianity. We cannot think of the
perpetual dangers, privations, and sufferings of these soldiers
df Christ without tears.
Tor Abbey. — In all probability a priest was attached to
the Cary family soon after the restoration of monarchy ; but
the ease and independence of the pastor must have received
DEVON8HIBB AND CORNWALL. 25
oonsiderBble improvement from the liberality of the Rev.
John Leuns, who had been chaplain for some time. In the
second volume of this work I shall give his biography.
At present suffice it to say, that he was buried at Tor
Mohun, on 20th April, 1709, and that his will was proved
in the bishop of Exeter's Registry Court, on 9th May
following.
Divine service continued to be performed in an upper
room of Tor Abbey until the year 1779, when George Gary,
Esq., fitted up the old refectory of the Norbertine canons, —
a lofty room, and 52 feet long, by 25 wide, — for a very
respectable chapel. But the present and seventh representa-
tive of the family, Robert Sheddon Sulyarde Gary, Esq.,
generously gave a most eligible site of three-quarters of an
acre for a new church, which my reverend friend Canon
Maurice Power undertook to erect. The first stone was
laid April 4th, 1858. This edifice is an ornament to the
vicinity, and was solemnly consecrated by the Bight Rev.
Dr. Errington, Bishop of Plymouth, on 17th February,
1854.
Ugbrooke. — St. Cyprian's chapel here was dedicated to
Protestant worship by Dr. Anthony Sparrow, Lord Bishop
of Exeter, on the 17th July, 1671 ; but, since the recon-
ciliation of the family to the Ghurch, it has been conse-
crated to Gatholic rites, and has been enlarged and decorated.
Within its walls the first diocesan synod of the see of
Plymouth was held on February 7, 1854.
Eweter was the next established mission. In page 14 I
have aUuded to the demolition of its chapel by the partisans
of the Revolution, and of this I shall have to speak more
amply in the biography of its incumbent, the Rev. Richard
Norria, 8.J. From poverty, and the distraction of the times,
the Catholics in this city and neighbourhood were compelled
to be satisfied with the occasional visits of an itinerant priest,
and for many years — certainly from 1745 — divine service
was cautiously celebrated in an upper back room of Mr.
Flashman's house, commonly called King John's Tavern, in
South-street. About the year 1763, the Jesuits undertook to
provide a regular incumbent, viz., in the Rev. William Gilli-
brand, who boarded with a Mr. Truscott, in Exe Island, now
the site of the gas-works. A successor of his, the Rev. John
Edisford, removed the chapel from South-street to Bartho-
lomew-street for, I think, about two years; but at Ghristmas,
1775, a lease was taken of the south-east part of the capital
mansion called or known by the name of St. Nicholas, and
a large upper chamber was easily formed into a chapel.
26 8TATE OF BEUOION IN
Within thirteen yean these rented premiseB were purchased,
and then a substantial chapel in the garden was determined
upon. The foundation-stone was laid on 6th May, 1790,
and on the Feast of the Epiphany, 1792, Mass was first cele-
brated in this respectable place of worship. On the 19th of
June, 1854, the preparatory work for the handsome poor-
school commenced. Bishop Errington laid its foundation-
stone on 7th July, 1854, and it was opened with becoming
honour on Tuesday, 16th January, 1855 ; and now the
chapel is undergoing considerable enlargement. Profieiat I
Plymouth. — Here the faithfu] were in a worse condition
than their brethren in Exeter. The charitable heart of that
venerable benefactor to religion, Rowland Conyers, Esq. (who
lived till 28th April, 1803, aged seventy-nine), was moved with
compassion at witnessing their disconsolate condition, and he
provided funds to maintain a priest both for them and for
the seafaring Catholics who frequented the port of Dartmouth.
His foundation, however, for the latter place was transferred,
about the year 1820, to Weymouth, of which more in the
sequel of this work.
The zealous pastor at Plymouth, Jean Louis Guilbert, then
felt encouraged to undertake the erection of a public chapel,
in lieu of the room over a stable in the back of the George
Inn, Devonport. Having obtained a central situation near
the Marine Hospital at Stonehouse, between Devonport and
Plymouth, the foundation-stone was laid on 28th May, 1806,
for St. Mar}r's chapel, with an adjoining presbytere and
school, and on 20th December, 1807, Mass was celebrated in
that sacred edifice. At a later period the Bev. Henry Riley
enlarged and improved it, as well as the rest of the pre-
mises ; and since October, 1851, St. Mary^s has been raised
to the rank of a cathedral, which has now (since 6th December,
1853) a chapter of eight canons attached to it. The foun-
dation of a cathedral was laid 28th June, 1856.
AwmtMier. — Some time after John Knight, Esq., formerly
of Cannington, had effected the purchase of Hilary House
(late Mr. Colltaret's), in Axminster, A.D. 1763, he fitted up
a decent apartment in the mansion, which continued to be
used by a small but increasing congregation, until the present
church, dedicated to Our Lady, was opened for public worship
on 15th August, 1831, principally through the instrumen-
tality and support of his pious son, Henry Knight, Esq.,'**'
whom may God long preserve !
• His father, John Knight, Esq., died 14th June, 1801, set. 69. His
late brother William, born 3rd Mav, 1703, died at Hilary House,
3rd December, 1849, »t. 77.
DSYONSHIIUB AND COBNWALL. 27
Calvefleigh and Thertan. — I have already related the
defection of John Palmer Chichester^ Esq.^ and in conse*
quence the breaking up of the Arlington mission. Joseph
Nagle, Esq.^ who had purchased the Calverleigh estate some
years before, and had engaged the Bey. Philip Compton for
his chaplain, now invited the Rev. Henry Innes, the last
priest at Arlington, to succeed that reverend gentleman, who
retired firom missionary duty. The venerable patron con-
tinued to maintain a chaplain tmtil his happy death, on 29th
January, 1813, »t. eighty-nine. His nephew-in-law, Charlte
Joseph Chichester, Esq. (brother to the aforesaid John Palmer
Chichester of Arlington), who inherited the estate, pursued
the same course. One of these ecclesiastics, the Rev. Jean
Marc Moutier, a gentleman of fortune, foreseeing, in the
precarious state of Mr. Chichester's health, the dispersion of
the family in the event of his death, and the closing of the
chapel at Calverleigh, generously undertook the perpetual
endowment of a mission in the adjoining parish of Tiverton ;
but he died on 15th April, 1888, «t. sixty-six, four years
before Mr. Chichester. In conformity with his intentions,
a convenient site was purchased at Shillands on 14th June,
1836, for a church, school, and presbytere. The first
stone of the sacred edifice was laid by Bishop Baines, on
Tuesday, 6th September, 1836. On 7th May, 1838, the
Bev. Thomas Costello was enabled to remove firom Cal-
verleigh into the new premises. Mass was first celebrated
in the school-room on Sunday, 13th May ; and St. John's
church was opened for pubUc worship by that reverend
gentleman on Whit-Sunday, the 19th of May, 1839. I re-
gret to add, that by mismanagement of affairs, the inten-
tions and express wishes of the founder of the Tiverton
mission have been carried out in a very xmsatisfactory
manner; but I hope that justice, though tardy, will be
accomplished.
FoUafon, near Totnes. — The late Edward Cary, Esq.,
having purchased this estate in 1788, on deciding to make
it his residence, invited the Bev. Charles Timings, who
since March, 1782, had visited the faithful dispersed in
Dartmouth, Kingston, Totnes, and the wide region of the
South Hams, to take up his abode with him. He accepted
the proposal, and retained the situation of chaplain from
the 29th November, 1801, until his death, 8th December,
1832, act. seventy-five. The family still provides a priest to
ofiSciate at the mansion-house.
Tawstock. — Sir Bourchier Wrey, the seventh baronet,
dying on 20th November, 1826, set. seventy, his eldest son.
JCH STATE OF RELIGION IN
Bourchier Palk Wrey, succeeded to the title and estate.
This gentleman had married a Catholic widow^ and^ though
a member of the Church of England^ readily afforded every
facility to his lady and their three daughters to practise the
Catholic religion. Settling at Tawstock, he procured for
them^ in July, 1827, a Catholic chaplain, fitted up ii\ the
house a convenient and spacious oratory, and also furnished
a poor-school. In this domestic chapel Bishop Baines, on
26th August, 1882, administered confirmation to twenty
persons; and Bishop Baggs, on 22nd September, 1844, to
twenty-two.
But as the tenure of this mission is precarious, depending
solely on the baronet^s life, he purchased, in 1843, firom
Charles Roberts, Esq., for the sum of £160, a desirable site
in Barnstaple for a church, priesf s house, and school. The
foundation was laid for a church of 80 by 80 feet ; but a
combination of circumstances prevented the completion of
the buildings until lately. On the 24th October, 1855, the
church was dedicated, and the next day solemnly opened by
Archbishop Errington and Bishop Vaughan, assisted by nine
priests.
Yealmpton. — About the time that England was maddened
with the *' No Popery '' cry, November, 1850, renewed by
the restitution of the hierarchy, that calm observer and
sincere inquirer after truth, Edmund Rodney PoUexfen
Bastard, of Kitley, Esq., received the light of Catholic faith.
Some months later he assisted at the solemn consecration by
Cardinal Wiseman of Dr. George Errington, appointed the
new bishop of Plymouth, at St. John's cathedral, Salford,
on 25th July, 1851 ; and he accompanied his lordship
into Ids diocese, entertaining him honourably at Kitley
until the middle of October, when the worthy prelate was
enabled to take up his quarters at St. Mary's, Stonehouse.
In his pious zeal, this new convert obtained a chaplain in
the person of the learned and Very Rev. John Brande
Morris, who had some years before embraced the Catholic
faith. And, to extend the blessing of true religion, he
converted a handsome structure, near Yealmpton parish
church, originally intended by him for a parochial school,
into a Catholic church. There Mass was first celebrated on
Sunday, 4th July, 1852 j and I pray to Heaven that through
the apostolic exertions of his minister, '^aperiat Dominus
gentibus ostium fidei.^' — Acts xiv. 26.
Since writing the above, I have to regret that this
honoured patron of religion has been taken away I lie was
DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL. 29
bom 7th September, 1825 ; married Florence Mary Scroope,
of the ancient family of Danby, November, 1853 : ob. 12tlL
June, 1856.
Teignmouih. — For many years back some families of the
faithful were scattered here, and at Shaldon, Dawlish, and
Newton. Two French priests, Messrs. Le PrStre and Le
Verrier, successively, until their return to France (the former
after the peace of Amiens, the latter at the restoration of
the Bourbons), celebrated mass in a hired apartment at
Teignmouth. For a short period much later, Mr. and Mrs.
Campbell Smith, during their residence at Dawlish, provided
a room in their house for the convenience of divine worship,
when the priest from Ugbrooke could attend. But for the
benefit of the Sacraments and the comfort of public worship,
most of this dispersed portion of the flock had to direct their
steps towards Ugbrooke. The Bev. Charles Lomaz, com-
miserating their necessity, in the abundance of his zeal and
charity, hired a decent room in West Teignmouth, and mul*
tiplied himself, as it were, to impart to them the benefit of his
spiritual functions. On 3rd April, 1848, he celebrated mass
therein for the first time ; and so great was his success, that
he determined to look out for a convenient site, erect a
public church, and endow a new mission. The Hon. William
Stourton subscribed the price of the ground already pur-
chased, the foundation-stone of the church was laid on
13th July, 1854, and the edifice, after a design of Mr. C.
Hansom, was solemnly opened by Bishop Errington on
19th December, 1854. On 28rd December, the Rev. Henry
Brigham, S.J., was installed the regular pastor, and I
anticipate a briUiant prospect to religion from his missionary
services.
It is now time to direct attention to Cornwall. And
in the first place I must notice Lanheme, in Gwythian, alias
St. Mawgan's parish and deanery of Pydre. The generality
of my readers may not be aware that the ArundeUs, from
time immemorial, held the manor of Lanheme, by military
service, of the see of Exeter (see Bp. Stapeldon's Register,
fol. 102 — 105; and Bp. Brantyngham's Register, vol. i.
fol. 131), and that a chapel or oratory was licensed for the
family^s convenience at a remote period.
Amidst the changes of religion and of governments, the
Arundells stood forward as the unflinching abettors of the
ancient faith;* and ever amidst all the dangers and terrors of
* As mentioned in p. 16, a member of this family, Humphry
80 STATE OF RELIGION IN
persecation, a priest was to be fotmd at Lanherne. But the
house had been only occasionally inhabited by members of
the family for nearly a century before the French Bevolution.
When the English Sepulchran nuns had determined to
emigrate from Liege^ and before they reached England in
July, 1794, Henry, the eighth Lord Arundell, offered them
Lanheme-house for an asylum; but this with many expres-
sions of gratitude they respectfully declined, as its sequestered
situation would have proved too inconvenient for their far-
famed school * for the education of Catholic young ladies. The
noble lord then offered the premises to the English Theresian
nuns of Antwerp, who gratefolly accepted them. They
entered this comfortable refuge in Augast, 1794. The
history of this convent will be given in another part of this
compilation. I shall only add, that the domestic chapel
was soon found to be much too small for their community
and for the congregation, and the great saloon was in conse-
quence devoted to the purposes of divine worship on Easter
Sunday, 1797.
Falmouth. — ^This mission was also founded by the charitable
Rowland Conyers, Esq., who died on 28th April, 1803, as
stated under Plymouth. As soon as Bishop Sharrock was
capable of procuring a proper incumbent, he stationed
F. Ignatius Casemore, O.S.F., in the place. A private room
served for a chapel from January, 1805, until L'Abbe Orezille
erected the present chapel and house. The foundation-stone
was laid on 2lBt February, 1819 ; and on 24th October, 1821,
St. Mary's was opened with due solemnity. It should be
recorded to the Abba's honour, that he collected, chiefly
among the royd family of France, the sum of 500/. towards
Anmdell, of Helland, Eaq., ^yemor of St. Michael's Mount, songht
to restore religion by rebellion in 1549. After his conviction and
executioxi, his estates were given, 6th March, 1560, by Edward Yl., to
Sir Guarin Carew, Knight.
* These communities are fonned of gentlewomen of high birth and
accomplished manners, who devote themselves to Grod and the Christian
training of youth, firom the purest and noblest of motives ; and there-
fore are entitled to the respect and support of aU lovers of morality and
religion. To me, a convent education has always appeared the safest
and the very best. St. Jerome, in his advice to Lseta concerning her
daughter Paula, expressly says, ** Nutriatur in Monasterio : sit inter
Virj^um choros: cert^ te hberet servandi difficultate, et custodie
periculo. Melius tibi est desiderare absentem, quam pavere ad singula,
quid loquatur, cui annuat, quern libenter anpiciat." I can never forget
hearing the late venerable and experienced Lady Clifford exclaim at
Uffbrooke, on 26th February, 1824, ** I thank God, every day of my
life, that I was brought up in a convent."
DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL. 31
this pious undertaking. All went on prosperously for some
years, when Bishop Baines was induced to make over the
place to the Redemptorists. Their provincial, F. Frederick
Held,* on 16th June, 1843, arrived with two of his religious,
Louis Buggenoms and Prosper Augustin Xavier Lempfrid,
in priest's orders, to conduct the mission. Soon after, the
provincial quitted for London ; and another of his order,
the Bev. F. Wladimir Petcherine, an excellent preacher, was
sent down. At Easter seventy^six commimicants were num-
bered at Falmouth. Moreover, through them a filiation of
six sisters of Notre Dame of Namur was established at
Penryn, on 15th November, 1845, who after some time
opened a boarding-school, a day-school, and a charity-school,
all perfectly distinct. Bright prospects for religion in be-
nighted Cornwall were anticipated, when it appears that
Clapham held out much greater encouragement to these
Bedemptorists ; and, alas ! on 1st September, 1848, Falmouth
lost the benefit of their services.
The Foundation Fund, I apprehend, suffered injury in
a certain quarter ; but I understand that a respected gentle-
man of the name of Andrew has given his liberal support
to the mission. May God reward him I
Penzance. — ^In the early part of the year 1837, an attempt
was made to secure the services of the Bev. William Ivers,
by the pious zeal of several Irish travellers and labourers in
and around Penzance; but after a few months' trial, the
failure of funds compelled the rev. gentleman to retire, and
leave these poor soula to depend, as before, on the occasional
idsits of the pastor at Falmouth. Their forlorn condition
excited the compassion of that energetic man of God, the
Bev. William Young, then stationed at Lanheme. On
Monday, 20th July, 1840, he quitted that comfortable situa-
tion to labour in this wider vineyard ; where he commenced
the spacious church of the Immaculate Conception, ninety
feet long by thirty feet wide, and fiftv-four feet high, with
school-rooms under; the granite side walls of the nave
having arches so formed as to admit of being opened into
aisles, when the increasing numbers of the congregation may
require it. The apostoUc man had the consolation of wit-
* This venerable gentleman was bom in imperial Vienna 17th July,
1799 ; was professed in the order 2nd August, 1820 ; ordained priest
23rd AugusC 182S, and made Liege his head-quarters. N.B. From a
letter of Bishoi) Baines, written in the middle of March, 1848, it appears
that his lordship contemplated to hand over ** the management of the
Cornish niJBsions to foreign religious.'*
82 STATE OF RELIGION IN
nessing this best ecclesiastical fabric in the diocese of Ply*
mouth opened with much solemnity on 26th October^ 1843.
Besides this^ he built a good house for the incumbent. In
an evil hour, unfortunately, he surrendered the whole pro-
perty, without taking proper precautions, into the hands of
the Conceptionists recently imported from Marseilles. A
very young superior, in a wild speculation of forming an
establishment at Ashbourne, most unadvisedly and uncanoni-
cally mortgaged the whole of these premises, which were
advertised to be sold by auction on Monday, 27th September,
1852. Thuik Ood, on the day of the sale, the new bishop
of Plymouth, Dr. Errington, succeeded in saving the church
at least, at the sacrifice of 950/.
Trelaumy. — My readers are probably aware that Sir Harry
Trelawny, the seventh baronet, after an eccentric life, found
rest in the bosom of the holy Catholic Churchy and at
the age of seventy-four, was admitted to the priesthood by
Cardinal Odesodchi, on SOth May, 1830 ; and, finally, died
at Lavino on 25th February, 1834. His daughters, Ann
Letitia, a spinster, and Mary, wife of John C. Harding, Esq.,
had long been Catholics. They had turned the old domestic
chapel at Trelawny, dedicated on 23rd November, 1701, by
their ancestor. Dr. John Trelawny, then Bishop of Exeter,
into a Catholic chapel. But of late years they have built a
place for Catholic worship at Sclerder, about haJf a mile from
the mansion.
Bodmin. — The Rev. William Young, who deserves the
name of the apostle of Cornwall, purchased premises in this
ancient town, and actually opened a chapel there in honour
of his patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on 24th September,
1846. For a time he served it himself; but was obliged to
leave it after some time. The Rev. ^milius Fieldell followed
for a short period. The dear good founder returned again
to Bodmin in the summer of 1853 ; and it was dear to me,
from his letter of the 16th September that year, that his
health would not suffer him to remain much longer.
Camborne. — ^The Conceptionist Fathers of Penzance began
a mission here; and though they have taken French leave of
Cornwall, the following letter of a good Catholic of the
neighbourhood, dated 5th April, 1853, is very satisfactory.
" You will be glad to hear, that now we have got at Cam-
borne a regular pastor, and muster a good congregation, to
the number of 250, if they all attended. They are chiefly
of the labouring class, and for the most part natives of the
county of Cork. We are much indebted to Mr. and Mrs.
Pike, recent converts, for the accommodation of a chapel,
DEVONSHIRE AND CORNWALL. 33
which is fitted up over a stable. In September last^ we were
honoured with the visit of Dr. Errington, the Bishop of Ply*
mouth, who administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to
about thirty^six persons. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are natives of
London; have lived much abroad, particularly at Naples.
He is extensively concerned in the Cornish mines, and for a
time was auperintend^it of the West Cornish railway.'^
I must not forget to say, that a priest formwly resided
with the Coucbe family at Tcihej, netur Fowey. I have
heard an old member of that finmily say that he remembered
the venerable Jesuit, Father Hayman, who died at their
house on 30th April, 1756, »t. eighty-seven.
In viewing this blessed change, have we not cause to raise
up our hearts and lift up our hands on. high, and bless the
Giver of all good gifts, the Arbiter and Disposer of human
events, for reserving us for these peaceful and auspicious
times? Who amongst us now dreads a domestic search?
Who feds any alarm for the security of his person, or pro*
perty, or of things appertaining to the divine service?
Instead of concealing and disguising our names, we fix them
on our gates : instead of skulking in hiding^holes, we walk
abroad and erect, like firee men."^ We meet in conferences
and synods, whenever and wherever we please. Instead of
worshipping the Ood of our fathers in caves or in garrets, we
court the most eligible and conspicuous situations for our
chapels and churches ; we practise our religious rites in the
fiice of the world. Our gentry ane invited to occupy the
magisterial bepch — to represent large constituencies in the
House of Commons, and to fill the office of High Sheriff.
Our noble peers, who, whilst obnoxious themselves to the
severity of the penal laws, and were denied their hereditary
seats in the House of Lords, generously threw over the
clergy and their flocks the mantle of protection, are welcomed
to the restitution of their constitutional honours, rights, and
privileges. Instead of borrowing a smuggled education
abroad, and under disguised names, our numerous colleges
at home are gaeetted, as associated, by royal license, to the
London University. We fearlessly register and tender our
votes at elections : we are nominated by the Lord Chan-
cdlor as trustees of the public charities. Instead of laws
nnd proclamations to seize crucifixes, rosaries, &c., and to
bum Catholic books, we freely import, circulate, advertise,
* Mrs. Lingard, mother of the late hiBtorian, remembered when her
family used to 20 in a cart at night to hear Mass, the priest in a round
frock to resemble a poor man. She died at Winchester, 5th August,
1824^ aged 02,
n
34 STATE or RELIGION IN DEVONSHIRE^ ETC.
and publish them. Our churches^ several of them vying
in size and beauty with the ancient basilica of the ooun-
try^ are rising up through the land^ and are eagerly
tluronged by multitudes of proselytes and inquirers after
truth. Our bishops in the colonies^ about fifty^ are patronized
and supported in a great degree at the public expense. In
fact^ in none of the Catholic states of Europe is our religion
so unfettered — ^is theptUptt so free and independent — ^is the
discussion of our religious tenets and political rights, through
the medium of the press, so distinctly recognized and de-
veloped. No persons are more respected and esteemed in
good society than the Catholic clergy. Ought not this
pleasing revolution in the breasts of our governors, and in
the minds and dispositions of our neighbours of every creed, to
attach us still more and more to our beloved country? — make
us the heralds of Loyalty, Peace, atid Benevolence? — stre-
nuous supporters of the constituted authorities? Shall it
not enkindle the discreetest zeal to gain the hearts of our
separated brethren, by the light of our example, by the fer-
vour of our prayers, and to attract them by the spirit of con-
ciliation and the lenity of Jesus Christ, to return to the bosom
of their holy mother, the Catholic Church, to share in her
consolations and blessings ?
With a deep sense of devotion, let us unite in the frequent
repetition of the collect of the Church in the Office of Tues«
day in Passion Week : —
•'Da nobis, qusesumus Domine, perseverantem in tuft
voluntate famulatum; ut in diebus nostris, et Merito et
Numero populus Tibi serviens augeatur.'*
35
CHAPTER IV.
"JEsi mihi Suppliciumy causa ftdue Pium.'*
TUB SUFFERERS FOR THE FAITH IN DORSETSHIRE.
Thb Catholic cause was honoured in Dorsetshire by the
constancy and heroic fidelity of its votaries. For in this
county, persecution assumed the character of inhuman
brutality. Whoever peruses the sufferings of some of its
martyrs, especially of FP. Pilchard and Green, might sup-
pose that he was reading the bloody feats of Indian savages
and cannibals, not the conduct of Englishmen and Christian
Protestants.
The first in the order of time, who shed his blood and
sacrificed his life for confessing Christ, was the Rev. Thomas
Pilchard. Dr. Challoner, in his truth-telling " Memoirs of
Missionary Priests,'^ could glean but slender information of
this apostolical man ; but from a MS. of his early friend at
college, the Rev. William Warford, who learnt much of his
subsequent history from his sister, jand others of his kindred,
persons deserving of all credit, — " Haec omnia ex sorore
et aliis affinibus viri, hominibus fide dignissimis, cognovi,'^ —
I am happy to supply the following particulars : —
" I knew him at Oxford, a Fellow of Baliol College, and
a Master of Arts; thence he went to Rhcims, and was
ordained priest, where I lived on intimate terms with him,
in 1583. He gave general edification by his singular
modesty, candour, and gravity, and his exemplary piety at
the altar. Returning to his native country, he conducted
himself in so commendable a manner, that I knew no priest
in all the west part of England who equalled his merits, and
to this day his memory is held in benediction there. By his
unwearied zeal, either at home, on his journeys, or in prison,
he gained very many souls to God; he was incessant in
preaching the divine word, and in administering the sacra-
ments. Severe to himself, he was accustomed, when in
prison and in irons, to lie on the bare floor ; and though he
had the convenience of a bed, he willingly parted with its
use for the benefit of his fellow-captives in Dorchester jail,
D 2
86 THB SVFFBRERS POR THE
80 that he gained more to God in his chains, than when he
enjoyed his freedom. All that had their soul's salvation at
heart flocked to it; no one quitted his company without
deriving improvement in spirit. By his engaging meekness
he attracted and converted the felons around him ; he helped
and comforted every one ; was justly regarded as the oracle
of that country ; and by his discretion, and presence of mind,
and firmness of purpose, he eluded the vigilance of the
turnkeys.
''Before his apprehension, some business called him to
London, whither he was accompanied by his bosom friend
Mr. Jessop, a worthy Catholic gentleman. In Fleet Street,
London, he was recognized by one who knew him at Oxford,
who consigned him over to the officers of justice. By the
constituted authorities, after examination, both were escorted
to Dorchester jail on horseback, with their hands tied behind
them. Condemnation followed. A cook, or butcher, was
induced, by the ofier of a large premium, to carry the seu«
tence, as in cases of treason, into execution. Hardly was
the priest hung up, when the rope was cut, and the holy
man rose erect on his feet. The hired executioner was now
called on to do his office, when at length, like a desperate
madman, he rushed against his standing victim, and plunging
his knife into the belly, there left it, amidst the murmurs
and groans of the bystanders. In the mean while the priest,
perfectly sensible, and seeing himself naked and horribly
wounded, turning his head to the sheriff, said, ' Mr. Sheriff,
is this your justice?' Then the executioner, summoning
courage, seizes his victim, and, dashing him on the ground,
opens the whole belly, and with savage brutality tears out
the bowels."
F. Warford adds, that nearly all who were accessory to
F. Pilchard's death fell into some remarkable calamity, or
came to an untimely end ; that he suffered on 2l8t of March,
1587; that the malefactor who died with him was his con-
vert ; that the said Mr. Jessop (who had attained his fortieth
year) died shortly after in Dorchester jail, and was buried
privately in the night-time, at his own express desire, near
the corpse of F. Pilchard, at the place of execution, —
"proxime ad corpus D. Pilchardi in agris in loco supplicii ; "
and that William Pike, a carpenter, who had been reconciled
to the Church by the zealous father, being apprehended
and sentenced, and offered his life if he would recant,
boldly answered, " Such an act would ill become a son of
Mr. Pilchard," and submitted to the butchery : — " Non decere
Domini Pilchardi filium recantare; et patrem martyrem filius
FAITH IN DORSETSHIRB. 87
mar^ secntus est.** Dr. Challoner, in the ''Memoirs,^
&c.^ states, from a MS. of Rev. Mr. Manger, that this
heroic layman was bom in Dorsetshire, and lived in a
village called Moors, in the parish of Parley ; that being cut
down alive from the gallows, " and being a very able, strong
man, when the executioner came to throw him on the block
to quarter him, he stood upon his feet; whereupon the
sheriff's men, overmastering him, threw him down, and
pinned his hands fast to the ground with their halberts, and
so the butchery was perfected," in 1591.
In another MS. I find that about the year 1588, ''at Dor-
chester, died in prison an old priest (whose name unfor-
tunately is not given), and John G^esope (the gentleman
already mentioned), Mrs. Tremain, and divers others."
I learn also from this MS. that a pious Catholic artisan,
called Morecock, was taken on a Sunday in Dorsetshire, by
officers in search of a priest who had broken out of prison,
and committed to jail, where he died before the year 1591.
In April, 1594, P. John Cornelius, of whom I propose to
treat amply in the biographical and second part of this
work, was apprehended in his hiding-hole at Chidiock
Castle.* After eluding a diligent search of the sheriffs'
officers for five or six hours, his cough at length led to his
discovery, as I find in a MS. of Father John Gerard. Mr.
Thomas Bosgrave, a relative of Mr. Arundell, and two
servants, Terence John Cary and Patrick Salmon (who are
counted but as one by Hutchins in his '* History of Dorset-
shire," vol. i. p. 874), were committed to prison, and suffered
death with him, at Dorchester, on 4th July following. A
poor malefEu^tor whom he had converted — executed at the
same time — declared aloud, he was a happy man to die in
such good company. Two facts appear to have been unknown
to Dr. Challoner on this subject : 1st. The memorandum of
Richard Verstegan, the antiquary : t " They could not get a
* Of Chidiock Castle (at the foot of which flows the brook called
Wynneford\ bo long the asylum of religion and the sanctuary of
loyalty, hardly a vestige remains. An inventory taken on 7th Aueust,
1088, proves that it was of considerahle dimensions. In one of the
towers mention is made of ^^the chamber and the chapell chamher/'
The gateway was taken down in 1741 : a tower was partially standing
in 1766. T?he site is called « The Bmtu." During the civU wars it
was regarded as a position of importance. Hutchms, vol. i. Hist, of
Dorset, p. 326, does justice to the incorruptible devotion of its owner
and defenders to the royal cause. ** Seven of the neighbours," he adds,
** had their estates sequestered in 1645 : they were no doubt concerned
in defending Chidiock House, and were thus punished for their loyalty.*'
t This learned Catholic writer thinks that F. Cornelius was the
author of the foUowing lines, which he addressed to a friend from his
38 THE SUFFERERS FOR THE
cauldron for any money to boyle his quarters in^ nor no man
to quarter him^ so he hanged till he was dead, and was buried,
being cut in quarters first/' 2nd. That although it be correct
that his quarters were exposed upon four poles for a time,
and his head nailed to the gallows, yet it is a fact, that
through the management of Lady Arandell the quarters
were by stealth conyeyed away, and honourably disposed of,
— '' fortim sublata et honorificentius coUata;'' and that the
head also came into the possession of Catholics, — " caput
etiam venit in Catholicorum potestatem/'
In the " Diary of Walter Yonge, from 1604 to 1628,''
recently published by the Camden Society (1848), at page 18
we read the following account of a priest near Chidiock.
" 1608. About the 1st of August, being Sunday, there
was a priest taken at Gabriers (at the west side of the
Golden Cap, still in sight of Lyme), at one Mr. Flear's
house. His apprehension was in this manner. There were
sent from the council two pursuivants into the country,
whereof one in former time had been a recusant, and lately
revolted. These two pursuivants, riding between Axminster
and Chidiock, fell in company with one Austen, then school-
master of Chidiock ; and after diverse conference between
the said pursuivants and Austen, he confessed that there was
a priest at Flear's house ; but did think they would scarce
see him if they came thither. Being come to Axminster,
the pursuivants committed Austen, and one other with him,
to Ilassell, a constable, and rode to Gabriel's ; where, after
search made, they found the priest hidden in a little room at
the top of the house, being thatched, and under the thatch a
door to go into the same ; at last, having apprehended the
priest, Flear's wife offered one of them one hundred angeletts
(<£25) to let him escape, who received the money, and pro-
mised her fair. At last, his companion being in sight (for he
was gone to the next justice when this proffer was made, for
a warrant to commit the priest, for Flear would not let him
depart without some order from a justice of peace), he told
her plainly he could not by any means let him escape with-
out great danger to himself; and so took hold on the priest,
prison ; but the four last were composed very long before his time. I
found them in a MS. of the reign of our King Henry IV.
** Alter e^o nisi sis, non es mihi verus amicus ;
Ni mihi sis ut ego, non eris alter ego."
** Spernere mundura, spemere nullum, spernere sese,
Spernere se spcrni ; quatuor ista beant
Christe tuos, tua, Te gratis accepimus k Te
Ergo meos, mea, me nierito, nunc exigis a me."
f FAITH IN DOBSKTSHIBE. 3&
and carried liim awajj with his hundred angeletts^ which she
could by no means get of him again/'
For the atrocious and cold-blooded execution of Bev.
Hugh Green, alias Ferdinand Brooks (yet Hutchins contents
himself with saying, " the priest was hanged "), at Dorches-
ter, on 19th August, 1642, ^et. fifty-seven, nearly thirty
years of which he had exerdsed his functions at Chidiock,
I must refer my readers to the full report in Dr. Challoner'a
'^ Memoirs/' Yet who would not gladly prefer to endure
his tragical death — ^his Maccabean example of fortitude and
perseverance— to the infamy of living Uke that Bev. Arthur
Browne, a seminary priest, condemned with him at Dor-
chester, but who publicly made his recantation. I have
read, with disgust mingled with pity, that unhappy transac-
tion, printed in London, 25th August, 1642, in five pages,
quarto.
I purposely reserve for the biographical part of this work
the account of John Mundyn, of Maperton, in Dorsetshire,
who suffered martyrdom at Tyburn, 12th February, 1584,
and of Eustaohius White, who glorified Ood by his blood in
the same spot, 10th December, 1591, having been taken at
Blandford, on the prerious 1st of September. In Part II.
will be inserted his original letter of 23rd November, that
year, in which he states that he had chiefly laboured amongst
the " Catholiques in the west contrye."
May the blood of these holy men obtain the grace of faith
for this b^ughted people, and may this ancient mission of
Chidiock, adorned with so many luminaries, watered with so
many tears, and sanctified by so much suffering, become an
example to eveiy other, ''letting their conversation be as
becometh the gospel of Christ.'' (Philip, i. 27.)
I cannot close this fourth chapter without recording
Mr. Humphrey Coffin, of Wambrook. This Recusant had
bis lands and rents sequestered in 1645.
40 STATE OF BELIGION IN DOB8ETSHIKK.
CHAPTER V.
THE ACTUAL 8TATB OV RBLIOION IN DORSBTSHIRB.
From the harrowing retrospect of persecution^ it is refireshing
to look around and witness the increase in number and
respectability of the churches and chapels in Dorset. Can-
ford, indeed, its oldest mission, is lost to us; but its place is
well supplied by Poole and by Spetisbury : " Non minuitur
persecutionibus Ecclesia, sed augetur/'
And to begin with LtUlworth, Certainly, from the time
of purchasing this estate of the Howards of Bindon, by
Humphrey Weld, Esq., a chaplain has been attached to the
family (A.D. 1641). This gentleman had married Clara,
daughter of Thomas, the first Lord Arundell, of whom more
hereafter. But the oratory was confined to the house, until
the late Thomas Weld, Esq., determined to erect witlun the
grounds the present convenient church of St. Mary. The
first stone was laid by that great patron of religion on
2nd February, 1786; under it were placed coins of King
George III., with a brass plate, bearing an inscription, sup-
plied almost verbatim by F. Oiovenazzi, S.J., librarian in
Palazza Altieri> as I learn from F. John Thorpe's letter^
dated 16th September, 1785, via. :—
^ Lapis sacer auspicalis in fundametita futuri Templi
Jactas anno mdcclxxxvi iy^ Nonas Februarii.
Quod templum Thomas Weld public^ meo in solo
Primus omnium, mitescente per Georgium Tertium
Legum penalium acerbitate, m honorem Virginis
BeatissimsB Dei Grenetricis adgredior extruendum. Tu
Vero Dens, Optime, Maxima, opus tantis auspiciis
Inchoatum custodi, protege, fove ac confirma,
Ut quaque Britannise patent. Religion! Sanctc
Templa adcrescant^ Templis Cultores.**
This sacred edifice is 76 feet long by 61 broad. Within
its sacred walls Dr. John Carroll, the founder of Episcopacy
in North America, was consecrated bishop of Baltimore, on
15th August, 1790, by Dr. Charles Widmesley, bishop of
Rama, and V.A. of the western district. Here also Dr. Wil-
liam Gibson was consecrated bishop of Acanthus, and V.A.
of the Northern District, on 5th December the same year, by
the said Bishop Walmesley ; and the new bishop of Acanthus
STATE OP RELIGION IN DORSETSHIRE. 41
performed the same solemn rite a fortnight later in the same
place on Dr. John Douglas^ bishop of Centurise, and V.A. of
the Eastern District. In the vault under St. Mary's lies
that patron of orthodoxy and piety, Thomas Weld, Esq.,
who died at Stonyhurst College, oA Ist August, 1810, set.
sixty.
2. Chidiock Chapel, after the dismantling of the castle,
was in the upper room of a cottage in North Chidiock, and
was demolished to make way for the present mansion.
Though this chapel is in size, and height, and convenience
far superior to its predecessor, I fully expect that it will,
after a time, be replaced by something better. It was
opened on Easter-Sunday, 1811.
3. The Hussey family purchased MarrihuU about the year
1651, and either there, or in Stour Provost village, a priest
was accessible £rom nearly that period. But the present
incumbent has been enabled to erect an elegant place of
worship, which he opened on 8rd July, 1832. This zealous
gentleman (Rev. William Casey) was much assisted by his
friend the late Richard Rawe, Esq., who was bom in Ibberton
parish, Dorset, 21st December, 1742, and died at Wincanton
on 7th August, 1833, set. ninety-one. In a letter to me,
dated from his seat. Purse-candle, near Sherbom, Sth
November, 1820, he informed me that, '' about a year and a
half since, I settled on the mission at MarnhuH an annuity
of twenty pounds for ever, by the purchase of so much stock
in the Three per Cent. Consols as would produce that sum ;
the cost of the whole was about iE530.''
4. Stapehill has long been a missionary station, under the
patronage of the Arundell family. Here the Jesuits had a
school, which bigotry magnified enormously. The following
narrative, which I copied from Brice's Exeter paper, called
the "Post Master, or Loyal Mercury/' published 2nd
October, 1724, must delight the lovers of Munchausen
adventures : —
*' From Wimbome, in Dorsetshire^ the^ write, that a Catholic semi-
taary, which had long subsisted in the neighbourhood of that town, was
by aceidmt discorered some time ago, which has obliged the person con-
cerned in it to break up housekeeping and remove. The place was
exactly suited to the design, it being out of the way of any great road,
and altogether incog, 'Twas found out by some genUemen that were
hunting, who came upon them before they were aware, and suiprised
some of the youths tnat were walking at a distance from the house.
There were about shtty roams in ity handsomefy fitted up, which are aU
under around; so that nothing but a bit of a farm-house appears, which
has till now been a cover to all the rest. The masters, students, and
others employed, made the family about three hundred in number : but
they are all now gone to their respective friends ; and 'tis thought 'twill
42 8TAT£ OF RELIGION IN DORBETSHIRB.
be very difficult for them to fix so much to their satisfaetioa agun in
this county."
Splendid^ mendax. — The late venerable Thomas Taunton^
Esq.^ informed me, that in his boyhood, before he went in
September, 1758, to St. Omer's College, he had been to a little
school here kept by a Catholic, Mr. Stafford.
In 1802, Henry, the eighth Lord Anmdell, afforded a
refuge here to Madame Bc^alie Augustin de Chabannes, a
lady of the highest merit, and her religious community de
la Sainte Croix de Notre Dame de la Trappe. The want of
a suitable church had long been felt by the nuns and by the
congregation. At length, the first foundation of the new
edifice, as designed by Mr. Charles Hansom, the architect of
very many churches, was laid by Bishop Ullathome, on
Tuesday, 25 th May, 1847, and was opened with becoming
solemnity on 16th July, 1851. On this occasion £75 were
collected. The congregation at Canford is merged in Stape-
hiU, and altogether consists of 180 souls.
5. Since Christmas, 1799, the English Augustine nuns,
originally of Louvain, have, by the blessing of Heaven, been
established at Spetisbury, where, praised be God, they are
in a flourishing state, and maintain two priests. Their
convenient and respectable church, designed by the late
Mr. Peniston, was opened on 8th September, 1830. It may
be mentioned here that a small chapel, now disused, was
fitted up in the neighbouring town of Blandford by
Mr. Towsey (see Directory of 1813), and served by the Rev.
Dr. Pierre Moulins for nine years; and on his retirement in
1814, by the Rev. Joseph Lee ; but for a considerable time
the few Catholics in Blandford attended Spetisbury.
6. Poole. — At the commencement of this century, I'Abbe
Pierre Lanquetuit, encouraged by the late Thomas Weld,
Esq., and Lady Anastasia Mannock, relict of Sir Thomas
Mannock, and daughter of Lord Montague (a benefactress to
the amount of £800), began this mission, and served it till
1820, when he returned to Prance. It was a poor residence,
and the chapel very insignificant ; but since the opening of
St. Mary's church, on July 16th, 1839, religion has indeed
lifted up her head in the place, and I anticipate the rapid
progress of truth. — N.B. The late Sir Edward Tichboume
Doughty, Baronet (who died on Saturday, 5th March, 1853,
set. seventy-one), had purchased the Upton estate, near Poole
(1829), and there kept a domestic chaplain. He never
recovered the loss of his only son Henry, who died on 31 st
May, 1835, aged five years and nine months.
7. Weymouth. — L'Abbe Dubuisson, an emigrant French
STATE OF RSLI6ION IN DORSETSHIRE. 43
priest, had established himself here as a professor of the
French language, and officiated in a temporary room, which
he hired for the benefit of Catholic invalids who visited that
fashionable watering-place. The old gentleman, in July,
1822, retired from missionary duty, and died a few months
later, aged seventy-six. He was succeeded by the Bev.
James Macdonnell, who, not having the same resources to
fall back upon, accepted the chaplaincy of Rotherwaas, and
subsequently the mission of Leamington, where he died, after
much valuable service, on 26th June, 18S8, set. forty-two,
and was buried on 1st July at the foot of his own altar.
Bishop Collingridge, who had taken a lively interest in this
rising mission, and felt much for the poor prisoners and sol-
diers at Portland, transferred hither the fund assigned by Mr.
Conyers to Dartmouth ; and his coadjutor, Dr. Baines, conse-
crated bishop of Siga 1st May, 1823, shortly after took up
his residence No. 4, Belvidere, Weymouth, and did the duty
of the place. . I find him baptizing there on 22nd August
and 9th October, 1823. The Bev. Francis Edgeworth suc-
ceeded his lordship in the following year, but in the spring
of 1825 was ordered to replace the unfortunate Bev. John
Burke at St. Joseph's chapel, Bristol. Weymouth was then
left without a pastor until the appointment of the Bev. Peter
Hartley, on 20th November, 1829. To him the praise is
due of purchasing the site of the present missionary premises,
of erecting the priest's house, and the chapel of St. Augus-
tine, 56 feet long by 27 feet broad, which was solemnly
opened on 22nd October, 1835. More of him in the bio-
graphical or second part. In November, 1835, the Bev. Joseph
Dwyer became its pastor for eighteen months. But in an
evil day, viz., 14th June, 1837,* was the Bev. Thomas
Butler, D.D., appointed to this mission. This notorious
ex-Dominican was bom at Limerick in 1800 : he had lately
arrived from Malta, and Bishop Baines was led to hope and
believe that, by stability, he might do credit to the cause of
religion. In 1837, he delivered twenty-one lectures in
Weymouth chapel to prove that the Boman Catholic Church
was a Scriptural Church. His work, intitled, " The Truths
of the Catholic Beligion proved by Scripture alone,'* and
dedicated by him to Bishop Baines, was published in two
small volumes by Booker and Dolman in 1838. Unques-
tionably the author was a man of reading, but conceited,
• In the chapel register I find : " 14 Junii, 1837, Ablllrao ac Rmo
Petro Augustino Baines, Episcopo Sig», et in Districtu Occidentali
Angiiitt yV" Aplico, Weymouth Missionarias Apiicus renuntiatus fui.
—Sac- Tho- Butleb, D.D:'
44 STATE OP RELIGION IN DOBSEtSHIRE.
)re8tle88^ showy, and rery extravagant. Quitting Weymouth
abruptly, he started for Liverpool, where he got himself
attached to St. Anthony's chapel, Sootland-road ; then throw-
ing up that situation, he left for Newry, in his native country,
where he disgraced himself, and then hastily decamped, over-
whelmed with debts. Soon after it was known that he had
passed over to the Church of England, under the teaching of
the Rev. Joseph Baylee, of Birkenhead ; next that he was
appointed to one of the new Protestant churches in Jersey,
with a salary of £100 per annum. Then, after being reported
as dead in a lunatic asylum there, he has re-appeared, in the
good pay of the Protestant Association, as a " No Popery "
lecturer, through the length and breadth of the country,
slandering and decrying that Scriptural Church which he
had so recently defended I Unhappy man ! May remorse
be followed by true repentance !
A reverend gentleman ^amed Murphy now supplied during
three months, when, for the comfort of the faithful, and of
all that is respectable in society, my dear friend Canon
Tilbury was substituted, on 20th November, 1840. His
experience and venerable age, — ^his character of quiet and
solid virtue and spotless integrity, were rapidly restoring the
credit of the religion which the conduct of lus penultimate
predecessor had served to obscure and injure. But, alas ! he
expired on 9th June last.
8. Lyme. — ^The few Catholics here were in the habit of
attending Axminster for prayers, and they had liberally con-
tributed to the erection of the new church of St. Mary,
which was opened 15th August, 1831. The Rev. Charles
Fisher, a newly-ordained priest (of whom more hereafter),
appointed to Axminster 17th July, 1884, had scarcely arrived
there, when he vehemently urged the erection of a church at
Lyme; and without sufficiently calculating the necessary
outlay, the ground was purchased, and the foundation-stone
of the church of St. Gheoige and St. Michael was laid on
23rd April, 1835. The handsome design of this church was
ftimished by E. Goodridge, of Bath, Esq. Shortly after
some progjress was made in the building, Mr. Fisher, with
characteristic restlessness, quitted the place. Though the
work was suspended, it was managed at length to proceed, so
as to have Mass said in the very unfinished edifice, on 27th
August, 1837.
But the arrival of the Rev. William Joseph Yaughan,
after the brief visits of Messrs. Swarbrick and James McDon-
nell, was the harbinger of brighter prospects to this new
mission. On Wednesday of Easter week, 18th April, 1838,
STATE or RBLIOION IN DORSETSHIRE. 4d
he reached Lyme. Out of his own means he built the house ;
an excellent school followed^ with the pecuniary aid of
Miss Ellen Shuttleworth. He bought a garden contiguous,
which he has conveyed to the mission, and he improved the
church. Bishop Baggs, requiring a gentleman of his influ-
ence and energy, called him away at Midsummer, 1B45, to
be president of St. Paul's, Prior Park, to the deep regret of
his attached flock; but he had a worthy successor in the
Rev. William Seth Agar, who added much to the beauty of
his church, which is a bijou of its kind. The beautiful Lady
Chapel was finished in 1851.
On 22nd May, 1836, ten persons were confirmed here.
On 15th July, 1849, twenty-three were confirmed.
9. Bridport.-^The blameless conduct of the Catholics resi-
dent in this town, \Fho were exemplary in attending the chapel
at Chidiock, had won the good opinion of their neighbours ;
but the public discussion of Catholic principles in the Town-
hall on 15th June, 1841, before an audience of more than
600 influential persons, G. T. GoUop, Esq., a liberal Pro-
testant, in the chair, could not fail to produce a powerful
impression in our favour, and to explode the calumnies
charged upon us. The Bev. William Peter Bond, then pastor
of Chidiock, the Bev, William J. Vaughan, of Lyme, and
F. McDonnell, of Birmingham, did themselves infinite honour
on that occasion. The Rev. John Byan, a successor of Mr.
Bond, availing himself of this friendly disposition of the
townspeople, decided on commencing a new chapel in Brid-
port. The foundation-stone was laid on 8th September,
1845, in honour of our Lady. He said the first Mass in the
new edifice on 1st July, 1846; and on the 2nd Julv Bishop
Ullathome opened it with great solemnity, assisted by ten
priests. For a considerable time this zealous pastor did the
duty of both places ; but, happily, fww Bridport enjoys its
own Catholic incumbent.
46 ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPAL
CHAPTER VI.
SOME ACCOUNT OP THE PRINCIPAL CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN
DORSETSHIRE.
1. The Welds. — ^The first time that I have met with the
family is in the '' Abbreviatio Placitorum/' fol. 283, A.D.
1290, where John de Welda and Matilda his wife, in Essex,
recovered damages in a suit (Hot. 88) .* Humphry Weld, of
East Barnet, Herts, was Lord Mayor of London in 1610 :
his relict Frances parted with that manor of East Barnet in
1645. Several members of the family raised themselves by
success in the legal profession; amongst whom we may
mention Sir John Weld, knight, of Arnolds, in the parish
of Edmonton, brother of the said Lord Mayor. He built
and endowed Southgate Chapel in that parish, which was con-
secrated by Dr. King, bishop of London, in 1615. Accord-
ing to Lysons, the learned knight died in 1622. In Smyth's
Obituary I read, 25th March, 1650, "Died Mr. William
Weld, of Bread-street, London, father of Sir William Weld,
now recorder." This recorder died in 1661 ; his lady was
buried 5th September, in the same year. A George Weld, or
Wilde, son of Henry Weld, a citizen of London, a stanch
loyalist, was made bishop of Derry by King Charles II., and
dying in Dublin 29th December, 1665, set. sixty-four, was
buried in Christ Church there. A branch of the Weld family
still exists in Ireland.
In the preceding chapter I have stated that Humphry
Weld, Esq., in 1641, became the fortunate purchaser of Lull-
worth. That he was a monied man is evidenced by the large
sums he advanced to save the sequestered estates of Henry,
the third Lord Arundell, when sold at Drury House, London,
in 1658. In my humble opinion, he was the first Catholic in
his family. He had married Clara, daughter of Thomas, the
first Loid Arundell; and Dodd informs us (Church Hist,
vol. iii. p. 800) that the Rev. Dr. William Hyde, afterwards
president of Douay College, "remained awhile with Mr.
Humphry Weld." This possessor of Lullworth had two
brothers. 1st, John, a barrister, who was knighted, and is
* Peter Weld. D.D., a Franciscan, of Worcester, preached at the
funeral of Isabella, ducmess of Clarence, 1476.— Mon. Angl. vol. ii. G4.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN DORSETSHIRE. 47
described of Pinchbeck^ county Lincoln^ and of Combe or
Compton Bassett, in Wilts.
2nd, George, married to Catherine Moore ; he is described
as of St: Martin's parish, London. Their daughter Cecily
married Daniel Mahony, son of John Mahony, of Castle
Mahony, county Cork, Esq.
Bichard Blore, in his '^ Britannia,^' published in 1673, dedi-
cated the map of Dorsetshire to this Humphry Weld, of Lull-
worth Castle, Esq., governor of Portland and Sandesfoot
Castles. In plate 25 are the arms of the said gentleman, and
he is further represented as the owner of Dry Dratton, in
Cambridgeshire, and of Weld House, in St. Giles-in-the-
Fields, London. From the journals of the Lords we learn,
that at the time of Oates's Plot, 1678, Humphry Weld, Esq.,
was in the commission of the peace, and stiU governor of
Portland Castle. On the petition of the Lords to the Crown,
27th March, 1679, he was deprived of these offices. More-
over, the Privy Council directed that his house within Port-
land Castle, his castle of Lullworth, and Weld House, in
London, should be searched for arms. In a grotto of the
garden attached to Weld House were found several chests
and trunks, which the said Humphry Weld affirmed were
goods left in his hands by Don Pedro de RonquiUio, late
Spanish ambassador here, for a security of a sum of money
paid by him for the said ambassador. On Slst of the same
month and year, the trunks were ordered to be carefully
examined and a report to be made to the House of their
contents. On 7th April the said trunks were ordered to be
restored, " as there was nothing among the papers relating
to the said conspiracy" This persecuted gentleman died
about 1685, in a good old age. Sir Roger le Strange, in his
folio edition of " ^sop's Fables,*' p. 132, mentions the pillage
of Weld House at the breaking out of the Revolution. This
took place on 12th December, 1688.
By failure of issue male, the estate descended to his
nephew William, son of Sir John Weld,* of Compton Bassett,
and Mary (Stourton) his wife. He had married Elizabeth,
daughter of Richard Shirebum, of Stonyhm^, Esq.; she
died 24th January, 1688, 0.S. He survived until 12th April,
1698, being then forty-eight years old, leaving a son and
heir, Humphry Weld.
* The worthy knight, I trust, had not dictated the wild inscrii>tion
to his memory in the church of Lullworth, copied into Hutchins's
*' History of Dorset." Though he had marriea Mary, daughter of
William, the tenth Lord Stourton, he was not reputed a Catholic. Her
ladyship died 15th May, 1660 : he survived till 11th July, 1674.
43 ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPAt
This gentleman contracted marriage with Margaret, only
daughter of Sir James Simeon, of Britwell, in Oxfordshire,
and Aston, in Staffordshire, Bart. (His creation bears date
18th October, 1677.) This union, like that of his father,
eventually brought large possessions to the Weld family.
Mr. Weld died 23rd June, 1722, set. forty-five, leaving a son,
Edward Weld, to be the fourth to inherit the property. He
married first, about the year 1728, the Hon. Catherine Aston,
eldest surviving daughter of Walter, fourth Lord Aston, by
his wife Mary, only daughter of Thomas Lord Howard. This
Hon. Mrs. Weld very indelicately, but ineffectually, sued for
a divorce, and died without issue 25th October, 1739, aged
thirty-four. In the British Museum may be seen an octavo
volume of her proceedings against Edward Weld, her husband,
in the Arches Court, Canterbury, and the sentence pro**
nounced by Dr. Bettisworth, 15th February, 1782-3, which
was affirmed by the Court of Delegates in Trinity Term foU
lowing."^ Her death enabled him to contract marriage with
Mary Theresa, daughter of John Yaughan, of Courtfield,
Esq.,t by whom he had several children. She died 21st July,
1754, aged forty: he survived until 8th December, 1761,
aged fifty-seven. Mr. Hutchins, in hia elaborate History of
Dorset, does honour to himself, by the following tribute to
the character of his friend :->-
'^ The late Edward Weld, Esq., was of an agreeable person,
sweet, modest, and humane temper ; easy, affable, and obliging
behaviour. He lived in great credit and hospitality, and
maintained a good correspondence and harmony with the
neighbouring gentry; nor did difference in opinion create
any reserve or distance. His charity and generosity were
not confined to those of his own persuasion, but universal;
and his character, in every social relation of life, truly
amiable. Though he ever behaved as a peaceable subject, he
was ordered into custody in 1745, on account of his name
being mentioned in a treasonable anonymous letter, dropped
near Poole — a malicious piece of villany, which none but a
bigot and sealot would practise ; and which will endanger
the life, fortune, and reputation of the most blameless and
* Lee's Ecclesiastical Cases, vol. ii, p. 580.
t Of her brother, John Vaughan, Esq., who died, «.;>., in 1780,
F. John Thorpe, writing from Rome on 18th March, of that year, to
Henry, the eighth Lord Arundel], thus expresses himself : " What an
amiable and venerable character is civen of the deceased Mr. Vaughan
both in letters and newspapers ! It would be a comfort to religion if
his example was followed oy every Catholic gentleman in the kingdom.
Too many of them forget themselves to l^ only tenants at will to
Imighty God, and to be accountable to Him for the use of their estates."
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN DORSETSHIRE. 49
inoiFensive. An immediate and honourable discharge was a
most convincing proof of his innocence. His worth, and
the favours I received from him, demand this testimony of
my respect and gratitude to the memory of a friend.'^ So
far this honest and reverend Protestant historian. Had he
turned to the '^ Gentleman's Magazine '^ of 1745, p. 554, he
would have found the anonjrmous letter referred to, viz. : —
** Monday , Oct. 7th, Wareham, in Dorsetshire,
** On Monday last was found dropt near Pool the following letter,
with a piece of paper and a handkerchief, in a wheel-rutt full of
water : —
«* « Sir, * September 27, 1746.
** ' Having this opportunity, by a friend who is going to Plymouth, to
advise our Catholic friends how to act with relation to the prisoners,
the which is also to stop near Weymouth, I thought proper to wish you
joy of the success of our friends in the north. When our friends arrive
m tlie west, I hope you will be ready to assist them, as promised in
your last; but I fear the winds have prevented them as yet. My
humble respects to S. J. W. (Sir John Webb) and all friends at Can-
ford, LuUworth, Weymouth, Exeter, and Plymouth.*
** On this, Mr. Weld was taken into custody^ but after several ex-
aminations discharged."
5th, Edward, eldest son of the above-mentioned wor*>
thy, succeeded to the property. To obtain a smuggled
education abroad (which was denied him at home), I
find in the procurator's book of St. Omer's College, that he
arrived there, with his brother John, under the name of
Shireburn, on 1st August, 1754, and certainly both conti*
nned there until 22nd February, 1759. (John died, 26th
September, 1759, and was buried at St. James's, Brussels.)
Their younger brother, Thomas, followed, on 26th Septem*
ber, 1762, under the name of Shireburn also, and remained
at Watten and at Bruges until 2nd May, 1765.
This Edward married twice: 1st, Julia, daughter of
Edward, the eighth Lord Petre. She died 16th July, 1772,
Bet. thirty^two. 2ndly, Mary, daughter of Walter Smythe>
of Brambridge, Hants, Esq., 16th July, 1775. He was in a
precarious state of health at the time, and barely survived
the ceremony three months, dying on 23rd October follow^
ing. This far-famed lady was bom 26th July, 1756. She
soon found a second husband in Thomas Fitzherbert, of
Swynnerton, Esq. He died at Nice, in 1781* She subse-
quently, on 21st December, 1786, married George, Prince
of Wales, and survived until 27th March, 1837. She was
buried in St. John tlie Baptist^s chapel, Brighton, to which
she proved a generous benefactress. Her beautiful monu«
60 ACCOUNT OF THB PRINCIPAL
mmt there, by Carew, records her merits, and the grateful
affection of her friend and companion Miss Seymour. Her
memoirs have been recently published by that noble Chris-
tian gentleman the Honourable Charles Langdale (London,
1856, 8vo.).
I now come to Thomas, the sixth possessor, only surviy-
ing brother of Edward. From infancy he was the favourite
of Heaven, and as he advanced through Ufe, he was justly
regarded as the pattern of every virtue that can adorn the
Christian gentleman. In his own conduct and intercourse,
this dignified head of a large establishment exemplified how
perfecdy a regular system of piety is compatible with atten-
tion to the social duties and the successful management of
extensive property.
On 27th February, 1772, he was united in holy marriage
with Miss Mary Massey Stanley ; and each of their nume-
rous family might say, ''A parentibus nobilitatem pietatis
accepi/' Six years after his union occurred the first relax-
ation of the penal laws. In the Sherborne paper of that
period I read, ''On the 24th December, 1778, six great guns
(six-pounders), with their carriages, ammunition, and neces-
sary implements belonging to them, said to be brought from
Bristol, were carried in two waggons to Lullworth Castle,
on the sea-coast of Dorsetshire, the seat of Thomas Weld,
Esq., a Soman Catholic gentleman, where $ume are remem-
bezed to ever have been before. They are supposed to be
the private property of that gentleman, and a flag-staff is
erected on the top of the castle '' 1
Little did that editor foresee that his gracious Majesty
Qeoftge III. would, with his royal family, a few years
later, frequently honour Lullworth and its loyal owner
with his presence, partake of his splendid hospitality, even
inspect his new (diapel of St. Mary, and converse familiarly
with the Rev. Charles Plowden, the well-known Jesuit.
Mr. Weld was justly regarded as the friend and protector
of religion. It would require a volume to enumerate his
good deeds to the communities of Stonyhurst, La Trappe,
Taunton Lodge, Clare House,^ Plymouth, &;c. &c. Suffice
it to say, ''Eleemosynas illius enarrabit omnis ecclesia sanc-
torum.'' — Ecdi. xxxi. On Ist August, 1810, he was called
by God to receive the recompense of his good deeds, et.
sixty; his honoured relict finished her course at Filewell
* His sister, Mary Euphrasia Weld, a rdigious, formerly of Aire, in
Artois, died at Clare House, Plymouth, on 12th March, 1823^ et. sixty-
nine, and was interred in the little cemetery, with ten other members of
the commanity.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN D0R8ET8HIRB. 61
House, near Lymington, on 1st of August also, just twenty
years later (1880).
To this patron of orthodoxy and piety, succeeded his
eldest son, Thomas, bom in London, on 22nd January,
1778. For the most part he received his education under
the tuition of the Rev. Charles Plowden, S.J., whom Cardinal
Wiseman describes as ^'a man Eeaious and fearless in the
defence of religion, and well known for his many learned
works/' On 14th June, 1796, he married, at Ugbrooke,
Lacy Bridget Cli£Ford, second daughter of the Honourable
Thomas Clifford (fourth son of Hugh, the third Lord Clif-
ford). Their only issue was Mary Lucy, bom at Upway,
near Wejrmouth, on 81st January^ 1799. The loss of his
amiable consort at Clifton, on 1st June, 1815, and the
subsequent marriage of his only child to the Honourable
Mr. Clifford, at Paris, on 1st September, 1818, left this lord of
Lullworth at full liberty to embrace the ecclesiastical estate,
and to renounce the &mily property to his next brother,
Joseph Weld, Esq. Placing himself under the direction of his
old friend and experienced guide, the celebrated Abbe Carron,
a long preparation was not required* Monseigneur Quelen,
archbishop of Paris, thought proper to ordain him sub-
deacon, on 28rd September, 1820 ; deacon on the ensuing
2drd Becember ; and priest on 7th April, 1821. Six days
later he celebrated his first Mass. On 20th June, 1822, he
b^an to assist the pastor of the Chelsea mission, and conti-
nued to raider useful service in the laborious duties of his
office in the company and under the direction of that
apostolic man L'Abbe Voyaux. After some time, he was
removed to Hammersmith. But he was not suffered to
remain quiet, for the Bight Bev. Alexander Macdonnell,D.D.,
bishop of Sangston, Upp^ Canada, solicited of the Holy
See, and prociued his nomination to be his coadjutor. The
ceremony of Dr. Weld^s consecration, as bishop of Amyclee,
a town of the Morea, was performed at St. Edmund's
College, by the venerable Bishop Poynter, on 6th August,
1826* It was at the risk of life that he consented, in his
delicate state of health, to accept a residence in so cold a
climate But legal business and the remonstrances of his
family and of his medical advisers detained him in England ^
vet, though he delayed his departure from time to time,
he never abandoned the intention of proceeding to Canada.
The health of his beloved daughter had now excited the
alarm of her family, and required the experiment of a milder
climate; and Dr. Weld took the opportunity of accompany-
ing her and her husband, that he might visit the tombs of
E 2
52 ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPAL
the apostles before he quitted Europe. Shortly after his
arrival, Cardinal Alboni, on 19th Januarj, 1830, announced
to his lordship that His Holiness Pope Pius VIII. had
decided on honouring him with the purple, to mark his sense
of his merits, and of his personal regard for the English
nation. The 15th of March witnessed his admission into
the College of Cardinals.
Whilst Rome, and every country where his name was
known, applauded the honours so freely conferred on distin-
guished merit, his own heart was sensibly affected at being
the spectator of the rapidly-declining health of his daughter.
She died on Sunday, 15th May, 1831, at Palo, about
twenty-six miles from Rome, and was buried on the 18th in
St. Marcellus' church, in Rome, from which his eminence
derived his title. He survived her nearly six years ; viz., till
Monday, 19th April, 1837, and his precious remains were
deposited near hers, with unusual solemnity ; the Sovereign
Pontiff attending, and affected to tears whilst consigning his
ashes to the tomb.
Joseph Weld, Esq., bom 27th January, 1777, already
mentioned, has added much to the property in Dorset since
his right reverend brother made Lullworth over to him in
1828.
The Webbs,— The founder of this family was William
Webb, of Salisbury, merchant, in the reign of Henry VIII.
(See the visitation of Dorset in the College of Arms, C. 22.)
By marriage, William, the son of the founder, obtained
Motcombe, in com. Dorset. Sir John Webb, in the early
part of King James I.'s reign, purchased Canford estate, for
14,000/.; but I find, in an original letter written in the
spring of 1613, that Sir John Webb, with all the Catholic
gentlemen of the west country who Uved within forty miles
of the sea, were sent up to London ; that this worthy knight
was accused of having made the purchase with money from
Spain, and he must receive the Spaniards there ; and though
he proved what lands he had sold elsewhere to raise that
large sum, what moneys he had borrowed, and of whom,
and the causes that induced him to make that purchase;
though even Dr. Abbott, archbishop of Canterbury, expressly
stated to the Privy Council, " This is no more than any of
us would have done ;" yet he was bid to choose to what Pro-
testant's house he would be committed. Mr. Harry Shirlie,
who dwelt in a thatched house opposite Poole, and kept a
boat to carry dung to his farm, was suspected of having the
boat to receive dangerous persons ; he was also committed,
as were Mr. Coram, and the rest.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN DORSETSHIRE. 63
This family was eminently loyal. In the Journals of the
Commons, Thursday, 20th November, 1641, the person of
John Webb, of Canford, Esq., is ordered to be secured ; but
he escaped, and was enabled to render his sovereign valuable
service, and in reward of the sacrifices he made in defending
the royal cause was created a baronet, on 2nd April, 1644.
Major-General Webb was so dreadfully wounded at the first
battle of Newbery, fought on 20th September, 1643, as to
die shortly after.
In the course of this work it will be seen that this .family,
one of the wealthiest among the commoners of England, up
to the time of the late Sir John Webb (who was buried at
St. Pancras, London, 1797), remained stanch to the old reli-
gion, and maintained several missions in the diocese.
The Husseys of Nash Court, in MamhuU parish, for the
last two centuries have been in good reputation. For the
life of Giles Hussey, the gifted artist, who died at Beeston,
in Broad Hempston parish, Devon, 17th June 1788, set.
seventy-eight, see the eighth volume of Nichols's " Lite-
rary Anecdotes.'' Hutchins, "History of Dorset," vol. ii.
p. 500, styles him '^ a living honour of the county."
At Mr. Duane's sale, the celebrated painter West bought
some of his pencilled heads, and pronounced a judgment,
and such an encomium, as should not be omitted. " I will
venture to show this head against any other, ancient or
modem ; it was never exceeded ; no man had ever imbibed
the true Grecian character and art deeper than Giles
Hussey." Several specimens of the genius of this exemplary
Catholic may be seen at Nash Court, Lullworth, &;c.
Eastmonds. — Of this family I can glean nothing whatever,
except from Rymer's " Foedera," tom. xviii. p. 392, where
we learn the complaint of the House of Commons to King
Charles, that in the house of Mary Eastmond, in Dorset-
shire, had been discovered, by two justices of the peace,
divers copes, altars, chalices, &c., who thereupon tendered to
her the oath of allegiance and supremacy, and upon her
reftising it, committed her to the constable, from whose
custody she made her escape; yet that Secretary Lord
Conway had written to those justices in her favour I
Hutchins, in his " History of Dorset," vol. i. p. 276,
informs us that Mr. Humphry Coffin, of Wambrooke, a
Becusant, had his rents and lands sequestered in 1645.
Upon the whole, if Catholic property has suffered diminu-
tion in some localities within the county, it has gained it in
others. The Weld family has made some purchases; the
Tichboumes have acquired Upton, near Poole, since 1829;
64 CAVHOLIC FAMILIES IN DOK8ST8HIRE.
the Huddlestones hare Punecandle, near Sherborne; the
Tuckers are proprietors of Filford^ in Netherbury parish;
the nuns of Spetisbury are the real possessors of their con«
yenient premises. And on its very borders^ near Lyme, the
ancient family of Talbot has purchased the fine property of
Bhode Hill, in Uplyme parish, and has proved itself the
principal support of the Lyme mission. William Maskell,
Esq., has also Pickett manor and farm, within the parish of
South Perrott, and the manor of Wraxale, in the county of
Dorset.
THE MISSIONS OF 80MIB8BT8HIRE. 55
CHAPTER VII.
THS MISSIONS OF 80MBR8KT8HIBI.
Hs&B indeed is subject of congratulation to religion, and
of heartfelt thanksgiving to the Author and Finisher of fiuth.
Within the last half-century the missions have been doubled.
I begin with Bath. The late welUinformed Dr. Baines
informed me^ in his letter dated from Bath 7th December,
1818, that this mission had always been served by members
of the Benedictine order. Its Register, unfortunately burned
by the fanatical mob in June, 1780, proved this; at least
firom the reign of James II. His Majesty reached Bath on
18th August, 1687, and remained there during the three
following days ; he returned to it again from Holywell on
6th September following. F. Anselm Williams was then the
incumbent. For a long period the missionary residence, as
well as chapel, was at Bdtre House, held under the Corpora-
tion of Bath at a ground-rent of 8/. per annum. The name
of the next incumbent that I have been able to ascertain
is F. Bernard Quin, who occurs in 1718 ; and F. William
Banester, who died 16th May, 1726; then that eminent
fiither Dr. Laurence York, who succeeded F. Francis Bruning.
Dr. York had been prior of St. Gregory's at Douay, and of
St. Edmund's at Paris, before his arrival at Bath, about the
year 1780. His prudent seal, in very difScult times, endeared
him to the venerable Bishop Pritchard, Y.A. of the Western
District, who recommended him to Rome for his associate in
the episcopal office. His wish was readily granted, and the
consecration of the new prelate, as Bishop of Niba, took
place on 10th August, 1741. During the rebellion of 1745,
a fiibricated letter (no uncommon device of the malevolent at
that period) was forwarded to the mayor of Bath, and ad-
dressed, by a supposed anonymous partisan of the rebellion,
to the Bight Rev. Dr. York. It thanked the bishop for the
men and money which he had already provided, and for the
supplies which he had promised ; and engaged to him the
see of Carlisle, in the event of the Prince's success. The
mayor, satisfied in his own mind of the forgery, waited on
Dr. York at Beltre House, and was soon convinced of the
perfect innocence of the prelate, and of the malice of the
66 THE MISSIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE.
attempt on his life and character ; but^ under all the circum-
stances of the times^ suggested the expediency of withdrawing
himself^ until the storm blew over. This prudent counsel
was duly acquiesced in. In the course of 1745, F. Bernard
Bradshaw was appointed to take the mission.
On the death of Bishop Pritchard, 22nd May, 1750, set.
eighty-one, the responsibility of an extensive jurisdiction over
North and South Wales, the counties of Monmouth and
Hereford, in addition to the six counties comprising the
subject of this compilation, devolved upon Bishop York.
Years and infirmities admonished the zealous prelate to look
out for a coadjutor ; and the choice he made of the Bev.
Dr. Charles Walmesley ^ does credit to his discrimination of
character, and will ever entitle his memory to the gratitude
of not merely the diocese, but of the whole English Catholic
body. The young and learned doctor, as I find in a letter of
F* John Thorpe, S.J., who assisted at the ceremony, was
consecrated Bishop of Bama by Cardinal Lanti, on Slst
December, 1756, in the Sodality Chapel of the English
College at Rome.
Dr. York, after gracing the mitre for twenty-three years,
obtained permission of Pope Clement XIII. to retire from
public life. This event was announced to the dergy and
faithful of the district on 12th March, 1764. He chose for
his retreat St. Gregory's Convent, at Douay, where he died
in the arms of his religious bi-ethren, 14th April, 1770, octo^
genario major,
2. F. Anselm Bradshaw succeeded Dr. York as missionary
in 1745 ; but I cannot ascertain the length of his services,
though it is said he continued until 1757. He died eventu-'
ally at Warrington, 20th June, 1799.
3. F. Placid Naylor served Bath about twenty-one years.
He ended his days at Paris on 2nd December, 1793.
4. John Bade Brewer^ D.D., was ai^ointed to this mission
in 1776. Encouraged by the relaxation of the penal laws,
two years later, he decided on erecting a chapel in St. James's
Parade; for the one at Beltre House proved inconvenient
and very inadequate for its purpose. The new edifice was
announced to be opened for public worship on Sunday, 11th
June, 1780; but on Friday, 9th, the delegates from Lord
Greorge Gordon's association had so inflamed the fanaticism
of the mob, that it was gutted and demolished, as well as
the Presbyt^re in Bellotree Lane; and the registers, diocesan
* For an account of Dr. Waln^esley's scientific nttaini^ents, see
BuUer'fi Memoirs, vol. ii. 312.
THE MISSIONS OF SOUBB8BT8HIBE. 57
archives^ and Bishop Walmesley's library and MSS. perished
irreooYerably in the flames. Dr. Brewer nearly fell a victim
to the savage fury of the rioters ; he was porsued through
several streets^ was denied admission by two of the principal
inns^ and even the Town-hall ; but at last found refuge in
the Greyhound Inn, and escaped by a back door.^ In 1781
the duties of president of his brethren called him away firom
Bath ; and subsequently, Woolton, near Liverpool, became
his principal place of residence. There he closed a meri-
torious life by a happy death on 18th Aprils 1822, set.
seventy-nine.
5. F. Michael Pembridge was the next incumbent. B«-
quiring assistance in the discharge of his increasing duties,
F. Cuthbert Simpson was assigned him as associate; but
death snatched him away on the auspicious feast of All Saints,
1785. F. Jerome Digby then lent him his valuable aid for
some time ; on whose translation F. Joseph Wilks was given to
him for coadjutor. This reverend gentleman possessed superior
colloquial powers, which made his society to be in great requi-
sition. Unfortunately, he mixed himself up too intimately
with the proceedings of the Cisalpine Club in 1789 and 1791,
and laid himself open to the severe but just displeasure of
his neighbour and immediate diocesan, and Athanasius of our
English Church, Dr. Charles Walmesley. But more of this in
the biographical part. On his displacement, the Bev. Hugh
Heatly followed, and during his short ministry edified all
classes with his religious spirit and pastoral solicitude. He
fell a victim to typhus fever 28th April, 1792, set. thirty-
three.
In the meanwhile good F. Pembridge had gone on labour-
ing in the vineyard, and prepared a new chapel in Com*
street, opened for Christmas, 1786. Ood called him to his
Temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, on
20th May, 1806, and five days later his remains were de-
posited near those of his venerable friend Bishop Walmesley,
m St. Joseph's Chapel, Bristol.
6. The Rev* Ralph Ainswarth served this mission very effici-
ently bom F. Heatl/s death in 1792, until Ood caUed him to
Himself on 5th February, 1814, set. fifty. His assistants
were, 1st, F. John Augustine Birdsall, who arrived 30th May,
* The ringleader of this mob and incendiary was John Butler. In
the Gent. Mag. of 1780, page 446, we iind that he was convicted at the
following assizes at Wells, and was executed on 28th August, <<near
the end of Pear-tree Lane, in Bath, without the least disturbance."
An action for damages was brought against the Hundred of Bath, at
Taunton, dOth March, 1781, and Dr. Brewer recovered £3,734. 19^. 6d.
58 THB MISSIONS OF 80MBR8BTBHIBB.
1806, and at the end of three years and a half left, to com-
mence the flourishing mission of Cheltenham, of whom more
hereafter; 2nd, the Bcf. James Calderbank, who arrived
just before the opening of the new church on 3rd December,
1809, and who, from assistant, became seyenth chief pastor
in 1814, and remained such till July, 1817 (having for his
associate F. Thomas Rollings), when he retired to Kyerpod,
where he ended his days 9th April, 1821.
8. The Rev. Peter Augustine Bainee, of whom I shall have to
treat largely in the second Part. Suffice it at present to say,
that he unquestionably availed himself of the progress of
light and public, liberality, from his entrance into office, July,
1817, to draw attention to the grandeur and solemnity of
our services, and to conciliate the minds of his hearers by his
dignified and persuasive eloquence. On his consecration as
coadjutor bishop, nearly seven years later, he resigned the
ohai^ of chief pastor at Bath to his individual assistant
from the beginning, viz. —
9. The Rev. Thomas Brindle.
The death of Bishop CoUingridge, at Caimington, on Srd
May, 1829, occurred whilst his coadjutor. Dr. Baines, with
the right of succession to the government of the Western
District, was sojourning at Rome for the benefit of his health.
His lordship lost no time in appointing Mr. Brindle to be
grand vicar and administratar of the diocese €ui interim, and
obtained for him the title of D.D. In December the same
year, his lordship efilscted the purchase of Prior Park for a
college and seminary, and got several members of the
Benedictine College of Amplrforth, vis. Dr. Booker, Dr.
Burgess, Dr. Brindle^ and F. Metcalf, to be secularised,
to conduct his new establishment, of which he installed
Dr. Brindle regent or president. It was opened for the
reception of students July, 1880.
10. The Rev. Ra^h Maurus Cooper, who on 27th June, 1828,
was admitted as assistant priest by Dr. Brindle, and endeared
himself to his flock by his zeid, discretion, and constancy in
his religious profession. On Dr. Brindle's retirement, he, of
course, succeeded to the direction of the important and
laborious mission of Bath, and was shortiy after provided
by the Benedictine Chapter with an efficient associate in the
person of F. John Jerome Jenkins. Admirably they worked
together in the vineyard of our Lord, until 10th October,
1836, when he left Bath for the mission of Bungajf, in
Suffolk, and was replaced by the Eev. Joseph Peter Wilson,
a priest of much experience. But when the new vicariat (^
THB MISSIONS OV SOUBB8BT8HIBE. 59
WaleSj with Monmouthshire and Herefordshire^ was estab-
lished in 1840, and separated from the Western District, and
the learned Dr. Thomas Joseph Browne, the Prior of Down*
side, was created \U first diocesan, then F. Wilson was chosen
prior in his place, and was succeeded at Bath by the Rev.
Christopher Austin Shann. At the end of two years
F. Shann quitted to make way for the Bev. John Clement
Worsley.
F. Cooper, who for twenty-three years and a half had
served Bath, obtained permission to retire in 1846. The
congregation, to mark their sense of esteem and gratitude^
presented him with a purse of 200/., which he spent for
God's love on the sanctuary of his little chapel at Chipping
Sodbury.
11. F. John Jerome Jenkme, the provincial of his brethren^
succeeded as head pastor on 8th December, 1846, to the joy
of his former flock, after ten years' separation. He retained
the ofSce of head pastor until 11th October, 1860.
12. JF. John Clement Worsley, who for the last eight years
had sealondy discharged the office of assistant, was promoted^
on F. Jenkins's retirement, to be incumbent of the mission,
and had the happiness of receiving for his associate the Bev.
Nicholas Maurus Hodgson. Evary one who witnesses their
Bucoessftd zeal and friendly co-operation must be reminded
of the exclamation of the Psalmist, ''Ecce quam bonum et
quam jucundum, habitare fratres in unum." — (Ps. cxxxii.)
Since July, 1865, the Bev. Joseph Shepherd has taken
Mr. Hodgson's place.
N.B. I apprehend that F. Thomas Ballyman, who died
at Bath 6th August, 1796 ; F. Anselm Oeaiy, deceased there
on 28rd March, 1795, at the age of 82; F. John Bernard
Warmoll, who was the bosom fnend of Bishop Walmesley^
and ended his life at Acton Bumell, 27th April, 1807, set. 87 ;
and FF. Henry Lawson, Bede Bigby, Clement Bishton, and
Aug. BoUins, had rendered temporary assistance to the
incumbents at Bath.
Bishop Baines, conceiving that a second chapel was
required in the upper part of the city, hired a place for
divine worship, whiph was opened 26th May, 1882, and
served from IVior Park. But it did not answer his expecta*
tions. Dr. Crowe, however, having converted the best part
of his house in Brunswick Place into a respectable oratoryj
drew vast numbers by his zealous exertions and eloquent
sermons ; and at his retirement, aiter four years' labours in
the sacred ministry, was presented, on 12th December, 1851,
60 THE MISSIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE.
with a noble chalice and paten hy his grateful flock. (See
" Catholic Standard/^ of 20th December.) Since his removal,
a new chapel has been erected in the neighbourhood.
Bonham, though placed in the Ordo, and even in some
i^ndent documents, as in Somersetshire, is really in Wilts.
The small manor and tything of Bonham had formerly
belonged to a family of that name (Editha Bonham, elected
abbess of Shaftesbury 15th November, 1441, obiit 20th
April, 1460), and afterwards came into the possession of the
Stourtons. Edward, the twelfth Lord Stourton, who aliened
and sold off most of the family estates in Dorset and Wilts,
in the beginning of the eighteenth century, still retained
this manor, and there fixed the priest, who was generally a
member of the Benedictine order, instead of at Stourton.^
Charles Philip, the sixteenth Lord Stourton, sold this last
remaining property, in 1785, to Henry Hoare, of Stourhead,
Esq., but specially reserved the presbytere and chapel.
Cannington. — ^This manor was granted by King Charles II,
to the Lord Treasurer Clifford, on 15th July, 1672. His
son and successor, Hugh, Lord Clifford, frequently resided
at its noble Court-house, especially after his eldest son,
Thomas, settled there. This promising youth married, in
1713, Charlotte, Baroness Livingstone, Viscountess Kinnaird,
and Countess Newburgh ; but dying on 21st February,
1719, N.S., at the early age of thirty-two, was buried in the
adjoining parish church. The remains of his venerable
father were deposited near him, on 7th October, 1730.
From all that I can collect, a chaplain was maintained here
until 1768, when the family establishment was broken up,
and the Bev. William Sutton quitted for Axminster. Nor
can I discover any resident missionary here until 1807, wheu
the late Lord Clifford afforded to the Benedictine Dames,
who were obliged to leave MamhuU (where they had
sojourned from Michaelmas, 1795), '^ a very comfortable and
conventual asylum, at Cannington Court House.'^ Here they
continued forty-one years, until their late removal to Little
Heywood, now St. Benedict's Priory, Stafford. But they
left behind them a large and beautiful chapel, which was
opened for public worship 7th July, 1831. This missio/i,
thanks to Ood, is in a flourishing condition.
Shepton MaUett.— At the Michaelmas of 1765, the B.ev.
John Brewer, S. J., originated, I believe, the mission here ;
and served it until his death, 1st September, 1797. He was
succeeded by the Rev. James Hussey, who expended his
* The first priest I meet with here is the Rev. Thomas Bruning in
1714. He died there, 6th August, 1719.
THE MISSIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 61
fortune in the purchase of a fields in which he erected a
presbytere; laid the foundation-stone of the chapel of
St. Nicholas^ on 15th October^ 1801^ and opened it for public
worship on 29th Aprils 1804. The learned Dr. Coombes
accepted the charge of the mission on the death of Mr.
Hussey^ in 1810 ; for nearly forty years he continued^ with
an assistant from Stonyhurst^ to superintend the establish*
ment; when he finally surrendered the concern to the
Jesuits^ on 12th June^ 1849^ and retired to Downside^ where
he tranquilly yielded his soul to the Prince of Shepherds^ on
15th November, 1850, set. eighty-four, sac. fifty-nine. The
Bishop of Clifton, since 1854, has undertaken the care of the
congregation. May his disinterested zeal be blessed with
a rich harvest of souls ! The Rev. James Dawson is the new
pastor.
Shortwood. — ^I believe there was no resident priest herd
until 1794, when the Rev. Joseph Hunt, of Stone-Easton, veri
Beaumont, and his family connections began the endowment.
Since the retirement of that venerable man, in 1838, 1 have
seen a rapid variety of incumbents j but since 1st April,
1852, the mission has had the advantage of the experience
and energy of the Rev. T. M. Macdonnell.
Its chapel of St. Michael was opened 15th May, 1806.
Taunton, — ^The Rev. George Baudoin, bom at Munkton
(see the biographical part of this work), fitted up a room in
his house. East Street, Taunton, about the year 1782, for a
handful of attendants, and was very reduced in circumstances.
His latter days were rendered much more comfortable by
the settlement of the English Franciscan nuns at a short
distance from the town, in June, 1 808, and by the assist*-
ance he derived in the ministry from Bishop Collingridge,
and the chaplains of that convent. Worn out with infirmi-
ties, the venerable man closed a blameless life on 14th May,
1818, set. sixty-nine. An active successor was assigned in
the person of the Rev. Samuel Fisher, O.S.F., who arrived
12th November following. So rapid was the increase of
Catholicity, that the foundation-stone of a large chapel, in
honour of St. George, was laid by Thomas Clifton, of
Lytham, Esq., then living at Hatch, on 18th April, 1821 •
It bears this inscription : —
Honor!
Sancti Geoigii
Haec JEAe% a solo est inchoata
Id. Aprilis An. mdcccxxi,
Lapidem Auspicalem statuente
Thom& Clifton Armigeroi
63 THB MISSIONS OF 80MBBSBT8HIBB.
It was solemnly opened on 8rd July^ 1822, and Dr. Baines
preached on the occasion. I rejoice to add, that this
mission is in a flourishing condition.
As to the beautiful convent church, blessed on 11th
November, 1811, by the title of Our Lady of Dolors, 'I
shall simply say that it is well attended; and that the
charity and seal of the saintly community is a prolific source
of blessings and of light to a town, where less than a century
back there was but one Catholic, and she a convert 1
Leiffhland, in the parish of Old Cleeve, was the property
of the Poyntz family. From them it descended to the
Bowes, in the reign of William III. John Eowe, as I learn
from the parish register of Arlington, married Ursula Chi-
chester, on 25th November, 1697, yet left no issue ; but to
him William Widdicombe, Esq., devised his estate of Bick-
ham, adjoining. Bobert Bowe, the nephew of the said
John, married Prudence Chichester, 15th August, 1706, and
had several children ; one of them, Elizabeth, became the
wife of John Needham, of Hilston, county Monmouth. At
Leighland, as I shall show in the sixteenth chapter, a
chaplain was maintained, chiefly of the Benedictine order,
down to our times.
Doumiide. — Here, indeed, we have cause to offer up the
homaffe of grateful hearts to Ood, the lover of man^s salva-
tion, K>r conducting the sons of St, Benedict to this once«>
benighted spot. They arrived here, firom Acton Bumell,
towards the end of April> 1814, and have established
the monastery of St. Gregory,— an excellent college, — with
an increasing mission. The church, in the best sbrle of
King Henry III.'s time, 62 feet long by 26 broad, and
40 feet high, which was opened with great splendour on
10th July, 1823, is now pronounced to be much too small,
and a larger one is contemplated. But I reserve my
account of this interesting establishment for a subsequent
chapter. Attached to the mission is a public Catholic
school in the contiguous village of Stratton, with a cemetery
and cross.
Prior Park. — In the Life of Bishop Baines, in the second
part of this compilation, may be seen the history of this
extensive and splendid establishment, opened in 1830, but
doomed to a brief existence. The truth is, too much
was attempted at once. In the midst of its embarrass*
ments, even a grand collegiate church was projected,
and its foundation-stone was laid on 12th March, 1844.
The following extract of a Pastoral Letter, dated Clifton,
Ist January, 1856, addressed by George, archbishop of
TH8 MISSIONS OF 80MERSBT8HIBB. 68
Trebisond, and Apostolic Admimstrator of the diocese of
Clifton, annonncing to all its clergy and laity the dissoln-
tion of the college of Prior-Park, will be read with deep
interest.
''The resources of this district had been deeply drained in the first
establishment of the institution in 1890 ; an unfortunate fire, a Tery
few years after, reauired new calls upon exhausted means and publio
liberality, and produced an embarrassment from which the place never
Teoovered. The chances of permanent success became gradually more
doubtful; and, in 1847, a commission appointed by the Holy See
reported that very considerable modifications and very great exertions
would be required to give a fi&ir prospect of restoring prosperity ; but
that on account of the property invested in the place, it was advisable
that no endeavours should be left untried to rescue it by securing the
permanency of the college. Subsequently, the buildings^ with aamost
all the lands annexed, were sold to pay off the most urgent portion of
the mortgages, and then held on lease from the purchaser. The diffi-
culties continued to increase ; and in 1852 a new commission was of
opinion^ that unless a large sum could be raised at once, without the
formation of a new debt, to meet the most embarrassing pressure, and
efiectual provision be made at the same time for such modifications as
might put a stop to the annual deficit in the accounts, it would be
better to close the establishment than to struggle on in the hope of
saving the funds abeady sunk, with so great a risk of increasing in
the mean time the permanent liabilities. The late bishop of this
diocese believed that both the required conditions might be fulfilled,
and, as you are aware, dedicated his unceasing exertions to this
attempt, listed by personal canvass the charity of the country in its
behalf, and finally fell a victim to the weight of the burden ne had
undertaken.
^Another experiment now appeared to have been made, with no
bett^permanent results than those which had been tried before ; and
the Holy See was unwilling that the resources and energies of a
sacoeeding bishop should be exposed to be exhausted in mere experi«
ment, ana resolved that the appointment of a successor should be
delayed till it was clearly established whether or no the coll^^e could
be really and effectually malnUdned. It was not well for the diocese
that the time and care of the bishop should be permanentiy engrossed
l^ one object ; but that one object was of such paramount importance^
that it was only by its being really secured if possible, or wholly
renounced if impracticable, that the anxiety and attention of the pastor
could be relieved. Af un, the amount of capital provided for eccle-
siastical education and other puiposes, invested in this undertaking,
rendered it advisable to employ all available resources in maintaining
the establishment to save the investments ; but this employment of the
means contributed for religious purposes, whilst It was the oest possible,
provided there was security of nnal succese, was doubly prejudicial if
failure should ultimately take place : for whilst on the one hand, other
useful objects were len unattempted, or unsupported as they would
have otherwise been ; on the other hand, the amount itself <» public
aid was considerably diminished, from the opinion, entertained by those
who had not faith m the permanency of the college, that it was only
throwing their means away to contribute what would in reality be
wasted ux>on vain attempts to support it. Nor was it only in this single
respect tnat the evil fruits were manifested of diversity of opinion in a
64 THE MISSIONS OF 80MEBSBTSHIRE.
society upon a matter of great and practical importance ; the doubts
hanging over the stability of the college^ and the consequent variety of
views as to what line of conduct relative to it was the true interest of
the diocese, had gradually led to the existence of party feeling on the
subject, which in this as in similar cases could not fail to increase as
time went on without a solution of the problem ; and it would have
been extremely difficult for a bishop anpointed to the diocese to have
escaped the lasting inconveniences of having been considered by one
party or the other as a partisan and opponent. It was for these reasons
that a temporary admmistrator was appointed, and directed to bring
the question to a positive conclusion one way or the other.
** The examination of the accounts since 1852 showed an increase of
debt, notwithstanding the results of the extraordinary exertions of the
late devoted bishop ; the source from which the supplies necessary to
meet the deficiencies had hitherto been drawn had gradually been
exhausted, and any further deficiency must have risked being not met,
and even tradesmen's bills left unpaid ; at the same time public con-
fidence seemed, from the smaller number of the students, to have
diminished ; and it would have required, besides the clearance of the
outstanding accounts, that from some source a large amount should be
able to be counted upon to cover the annual deficiency that must be
expected till, after some years, the restoration of public confidence should
have provided a number of students sufficient for the requirements of
the establishment. Without seeing a way to meet this apparently
absolutely necessary condition for moral security, to attempt to carry
on the college once more would only have been to renew experiments
and multiply exertions and sacrifices fruitlessly, and, as the result sHows,
prejudicially tried already. It was, therefore, from a feeling that
unless Divine Providence should point out resources unperceived by
us, it would not be right to recommend another experiment, — that we
requested your earnest prayers in Advent, knowing that the goodness
of the Almighty would not give you a stone in return for your petition
for bread.
" The necessity of a decision on the subject was however prevented
by circumstances. A large amount of arrears of rent was due, and on
the first of the year legal proceedings were taken by the landlord.
These proceedings of coui'se alarmed other creditors, and oth$r claims
were urged. The property still remaining on the premises was valued
and estimated as more than equal to these outstanding claims, to satisfy
which in the first instance it is belpg sold : if a surplus remains, it
will be applied to the partial rescue of the various funds sunk in the
establishment.
<< It is not then an unmitigated calamity with which it has pleased
Grod to visit the diocese. If it has seemed well to Him that we should
not have to exult in the possession of a magnificent establishment, it is
not only a lesson of humiliation and conformity to His will that we are
taught, but you will be free to employ your energies, heretofore para-
lyzed by being taxed above their capacity, to more purpose on other
ODJects tending to advance God's honour and your own welfare. If a
great loss has been sustained in the disappearance of funds, derived
from former contributions for religious pu^oses, sunk in the college,
you will feel, on the other hand, that your charity will no longer be
drained off in support of a doubtful undertaking ; while the training
of ecclesiastical students, the principal object of tne maintenance of the
colleg^, may be as effectually carried on elsewhere, and at no more cost
than it has been there for each, since the embarrassment prevented the
THE MISSIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 65
existence of a surplus^ representing the interest of the funds sunk as
appropriated to that purpose. The source of disunion, and consequent
weakness, in your exertions for the general good of the diocese, will
have been removed ; and in peace and unity you will as one man, each
nsing the full extent of his power, and tending to one object under the
guidance of your future pastor, soon obliterate the feeling of grief you
at present experience, and find, in the new monuments of zeal and
liberality that will arise in the midst of you, consolation and joy similar
to that described in the history of the festivities at the dedication of the
second temple. The same Lord who gave Job wealth and happiness,
and allowed misfortune and misery to take for a time the place of that
wealth and happiness^ restored, when the purposes of trial had been
answered, the mvours originally granted, and blessed the latter end of
Job more than the beginning. 'The Lord has given, the Lord hath
taken away ; may the name of the Lord be blessed.' "
Midford Castle^ about three miles and a half from Bath.
The estate here was purchased bj the late Mr. ConoUy, and
at Midford House mass was first celebrated in the year 1820;
for seven years it was served by different priests from Down-
side College. A chapel was then opened in Midford Castle^
on 3rd May^ 1837^ by the worthy squire^ and was served
generally from Downside^ until 1841, when Prior Park
undertook to minister to the spiritual wants of the family.
But there was no resident missionary there, until September,
1846, when the Rev. Charles Parfitt accepted the appoint-
ment. From his letter of 12th July, 1855, I learn that he
had then sixty-two Catholics at Midford, and that he has
established a poor school.
Bridgewater, — In consequence of the conversion of the
Rev. J. Moore Capes, minister of the new church of St. John
here^ Bishop Baggs decided on having a chapel in this town.
The foundation-stone was laid on 2nd October, 1845, and
on 17th February, 1846, it was opened under the patronage
of St. Joseph. The Rev. Jacob lUingworth, the priest of
Cannington, and his successor there, Dr. English, in their
zeal and charity duplicated for the benefit of the rising
congregation, until 1850, when F. Bernard Morewood
and F. Peter de Pozzo rendered assistance between them,
until the summer of 1851. Two or three Dominicanesses
of the third Order attempted to establish a house; but
the experiment failed. It is pleasing to know that the
prospects of religion, since the appointment of a resident
pastor. Rev. Thomas Francis Rooker, in March, 1852, are
very encouraging. With the children in the school we can
calculate already about 200 Catholics.
Frome. — I cannot do better than copy the letter of the
Rev. Richard Ward (late vicar of St. Saviour's, at Leeds, and
f
6G THE MISSIONS OP SOMBRSBTSHIRK.
now incumbent of this mission)^ addressed to me July 9th,
1855 :—
''The Frome mission owes its origin to the zeal of the good fathers
of St. Gregory's College, Downside, who np to 1860 were indefatigahle
in attending to the wants of snch sick and miirm Catholics as happened
from time to time to he found in this town and neighbourhood. In
January^ 1850, the arrival of a newly-married pair of conrerts to set
up a ^ocery business on a yer^ humble scale gave occasion to an
extension of their labours. At this date the Her. John Hall, then mis-
sionary at Downside, ^Jf said Mass in the small parlour of this worthy
couple (Downing), and four persons besides themselves were present
at it. He came again for the same purpose every other Sunday,
a distance of nine miles, until August that year, when a very incommo-
dious room — but the brat and largest that could be procured — ^was
opened as a Catholic chapel ; and from that time until the end of July,
1853, either he or one of his confreres came every Sunday to attend the
little flock. In July, 1858, it was represented to me that the Benedic-
tines were able no longer to spare a pnest, and that, as the bishop of
Clifton was in equal straits, the Frome mission would have to be given
up, unless / consented to take it. At the urgent entreaty of the bishop,
I agreed to supply it for two years, and came to reside in the following
October. Soon after, a piece of ground was purchased in the most
central and desirable part of Frome, and an old building, called
' St. Catherine's Tower/ was converted into the priest's house, and the
new church opened on 16th July, 1854, a building 53 feet long by
17 broad, but eventually intended to be no more than a school-room.
On the whole, the progress of religion is of a very consoling and encou-
raging nature. Many Protestants have begun to inquire into the
grounds of our holy faith, and several have been instructed and
received into the one fold ; nor have I found that the fact of my having
officiated formerly as curate of Su Edmund's j in the immediate neigh-
bourhood, has at all tended to make my cause more difficult, but rather
the reverse." *
Weston-super-Mare. — In the summer of 1851, a large
room was taken here, with the approbation of Bishop
Hendren, by the fathers of the S.J. at Bristol, who served
it during the six summer months. In the following year,
Bishop Burgess engaged the same for a similar purpose, and
the clergy of Clifton Cathedral have officiated there during
the summer season in favour of Catholic visitors. I trust,
ere long, a resident incumbent will be assigned to this
fashionable watering-place.
At Meadgate, in Camerton parish, once the property of
the Coombes family, and where the late Rev. Dr. Coombes
was born, 8th May, 1768, and, I think, his reverend uncle,
of the same name, before him, 4th August, 1744, N.S., Mass
used to be celebrated, as the doctor assured me. It is now
converted into a public-house.
♦ L'Abb^ Faugfere, bom at Chatres 13th December, 1764, emigrated
2l8t November, 1792, resided for a considerable time at Frome.
THE MISSIONS OP SOM£B8£TSHIRE. 67
I must not forget to relate that Chard^ on the confines
of Dorset, Devon, and Somersetshire, was the scene of the
barbarous execution of the Rev. John Hambley, a priest of
Douay College. Of this native of Somersetshire, who appears
to have suffered on 20th July, 1587, I shall, in the second
part, supply some interesting details unknown to the faithful
chronicler Dr. Challoner.
p 2
68 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
CHAPIER VIII.
SOME ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN SOMERSETSHIRE.
AuDLKY, Lord Castlehaven. — ^The family of Tuchet, orTouchet,
is very ancient in this county. William was summoned to
Parliament as the first Baron Audley from 1299 to 1306.
Mervyn, the ninth Lord Audley, and second earl of Castle-
haven, succeeded his father George* in 1617. I find him
presented by the House of Commons, on 27th April, 1624,
as a Papist recusant. — (See Journals Com. vol. i. p. 776.) But
shortly after he proved a disgrace to the religion of his fore-
fathers by his open apostasy at the Salisbury assizes, and
by his disgusting and atrocious crimes, for which he was
deservedly attainted and executed on Tower-hill, 14th May,
1631. Dodd, in his "Church History," vol. iii. p. 167,
gives the following account of this unfortunate peer, from
the pen of Mr. Smith, — probably Rev. William Smith, S.J.,
chaplain at Wardour, who died 13th September, 1658, set.
sixty-four : —
'* My lord of CasUehsven first fell from his faith to be married with
this woman that accused him. That morniDg he first went to church,
one of his coach-horses killed the coachman before they set out. The
first niffht he lay with this woman he was taken with a lameness on
one side. The first time he brought his lady to Suntill (Fon thill)
House, part of the house was set on fire, and Mr. Smith was sent out
for an Agnua Dd to auench it. At Salisbury, where my lord at the
assizes openly abjured his religion, the bill was first found against him
that cut off his head."
Two of his servants, accomplices of his abominations,
were hanged. The woman here mentioned was his second
wife, Anne, daughter of Ferdinando, earl of Derby, and
relict of Orey, Lord Chandos. He married her at Harefield,
22nd July, 1624. By his first wife, Elizabeth (Bamham),
he left three sons, — James, who was restored to blood 3rd
June, 1643, by King Charles I., and who had been reported
to the House of Commons on 20th November, 1641, as '^ a
* Bv marrying Lucy, daughter of Sir James Mervyn, he got the
Fonthul estate, in Wilts. His second wife, Ann Noel, was a generous
benefactor to St. Bonaventure's Convent at Douay, lftl8.
FAMILIES OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 69
recusant, whose person ought to be secured/' Fortunately,
he had reached Ireland about Michaelmas that year^ as we
learn from his remonstrance, printed at the end of Dr. Curry's
''Historical and Critical Review of the Civil Wars in Ireland."
This noble lord closed a life of persecution at Kilrush, in
CO. Kildare^ on 11th October, 1684. His brother Gteorge, a
professed Benedictine, of Douay convent, of whom more
in the biographical account, was appointed chaplain to Queen
Catherine, at Somerset House, in 1671. The third son.
Colonel Mervyn Touchet, succeeded his brother James, and
had married Mary, youngest daughter of John Talbot, tenth
earl of Shrewsbury, and relict of Charles Arundell, Esq.
Elizabeth, countess of Castlehaven, a daughter of Henry,
fifth Lord Arundell, and relict of James, sixth earl, was
buried at St. Pancras in 1743. In 1777 the title of Castle-
haven was extinct, by failure of issue male. The family
seems to have had larger possessions in Wilts than in Somer-
setshire. It is cheering to know that Pyhouse is now
returned into Catholic hands.
The Waldegraves had long been established at Chewton,
in Somersetshire. I read in Machyn's Diary, which Strype
afterwards copied into his " History of the Reformation,^'—
"April 22, 1661, Sir Edward Walgrave" (incorrectly called Henry
by Dodd), '* knight — who was a great officer in Queen Mary's
court, and a Privy Counsellor, — and his lady were carried to the
Tower. It was for hearing Mass, having a popish priest in their
house. This knight and his lady had the character of very good alms-
foikes, in respect, no doubt, of Uieir great liberality to the poor. Sep-
tember 1, 1561, Sir Edward Walgrave, who was brought to the Tower
last April, dyed there. His confinement was thought to be the cause
of his death. He was much swoln. The 3rd dav of September
he was buried in the quire of the Tower church beside the altar
by torch liffht, and the sixth day the Lady Walgrave came out of
the Tower.'^
Sir Henry Waldegrave, the fourth baronet, was made
baron of Chewton by King James II., 20th January, 1686,
but died at Paris three yeai's later, leaving a son and heir,
James, second Baron Waldegrave of Chewton. This noble-
man abjured the religion of his forefathers about the year
1723, and in consequence was loaded with perishable honours
and titles, of which death stripped him 11th April, 1741, at
Navestock, Essex. On his death-bed, alluding to his taking
the oaths of supremacy and abjuration, he put his hand to
his tongue, and, to the terror of the bystanders, made use of
this exclamation : '* This bit of red rag has been my damna-
tion.^' This anecdote I have repeatedly heard from the late
70 ACCOUNT OP CATHOLIC
Thomas Taunton^ Esq., a gentleman of most retentive
memory and unimpeachable veracity * He had received it
from his aunt, Ann Taunton, who died in 1788, «t. eighty-
seven, and whose sister, Orace Taunton, died in 1760, «t.
eighty-two, and was wife to Mr. Dillon, then his lordship's
steward.
Sir William Waldegrave, M.D. (physician to the queen of
King James II.), was returned by the College of Physicianfl,
1st July, 1689, as a Papist.f
Cottingtons. — Sir Francis Cottington, whom Lord Claren-
don describes as '^ a very wise and prudent man, well versed
in business of all kinds, and oi a sedateness of temper much
to be admired, and spoke and understood the Spanish, French,
and Italian languages,^' was created baron of Hanworth, co.
Middlesex, 10th Jaly, 1631, and was of Godmanston, in
Somersetshire. At what precise period he was reconciled to
the Church I cannot discover. His estates were sold by the
Rump Parliament on 16th July, 1651. His lordship died
most piously at Valladolid, 19th June, 1652, at. seventy-four.
For twenty-seven years his body lay in the Jesuits' church
there, whence it was removed to Westminster Abbey by
Charles, his nephew and heir. The title died with his lord-i
ship. Charles, his only son, by his lady, Anne Meredith,
at whose baptism, at Hanworth, King Charles I. assisted
with the duke of Buckingham and the marchioness of Hamil-
ton, 2l8t July, 1628, dying eight years later in vitd patria,
* This venerable gentleman, of whom the Catholic body might be
justly proud, was l^rn 9th June, 1745, at Veres Wotton, near Brid-
port, and died 17th March, 1828, at Axminster, where he had a good
property, as well as in Somersetshire. His exemplary lady (Margaret)
preceded him to the erave with all his children, but Theresa, who
married Charles Knight, of Cannington, Esq.
t The following is communicated by my friend Dr. Munk, of London.
" College of Phydcians,
** 1679, March 29. — An order from Parliament to the College to
retnm the names of all * Papists,' and eject them from the College.
** 1679, April 4. — Notice in consequence sent to Dr. John Betts and
Dr. Thomas Short.
" 1689, July 1. — List returned by the College to the House of Lords
of Papists, reputed Papists^ and criminals : —
^Papists: John Betts, M.D. ; Sir William Walgrave ; Charles
Conquest, M.D. ; Ferdinando Mendez, M.D. ; Edward Betts, M.D.
*' Criminals, or reputed criminals : Robert Gray, M.D. ; John
EUioti^ M.D.
'«1692, October 26.~Dr. Betts (John) to lose his place in the
CoUege, if he did not take the oath of allegiance."
FAMILIES IN SOMERSETSHIRE. 71
i?as buried at Han worth 27th July^ 1636; the two daugh-
ters, Frances and Ann, had been buried there before their
brother.
Cliffords. — To this family I have alluded in page 60,
where I mentioned their manor of Cannington, and pre-
viously in page 22. To illustrate the history of. this ancient
and religious family I must reserve a distinct volume.
The Stackers had a mansion-house near Chilcompton
church, about a mile distant from Downside College. One
of them had to compound for his estate with the Rump
commissioners about the year 1651. I suspect F. Augustine
Stoker, O.S.B., who died in London 18th August, 1668,
was his kinsman. And I think that it was one of this family
who told F. William Weston, as related in his Latin Auto-
biography, that at the plunder of Glastonbury he secured
one of the nails, twelve inches long (with its case), which had
been used at Christ's crucifixion. The nail itself, the instru-
ment of wonderful cures, he was compelled to surrender to
Sishop Jewell several years later; what became of it in the
sequel he never learned. From this family, I suspect, came
the piece of the true cross which F. Peter Wamford, O.S.B.,
obtained (ob. 2l8t August, 1657), and which was kept by
the dean of the Bosary in London. — (See Weldon's MS.
p. 176.) Perhaps the precious relic of our Saviour's thorn
came from the same quarter. Both, I believe, are now at
Downside. — See also F. Lorymer's Letter in Cath. Miscellany
for 1824, p. 75.
72 THE MISSIONS IX UriLTSHIKE.
CHAPTER IX.
THE MISSIONS IN WILTSHIRE.
The state of religion in every conntry materially depends
on the example and encouragement of the landed proprietors.
This was peculiarly the case before commerce had introduced
the more equal distribution of science^ wealthy and independ-
ence. Formerly, a middle clas9, perhaps the most important
link in the chain of society, could hardly be recognized in
England: the few hereditary rich and the very numerous
poor constituted the body of the nation ; and in this state of
things, after the Reformation and suppression of monasteries,
if the lord of a district stood forth the protector of religion,
the neighbourhood adhered to their ancient faith ; but as he
and his family withdrew their fostering care, the ranks of the
faithful sensibly diminished, until in many parts scarcely a
vestige could be traced of ancient piety.
The Catholics of Wiltshire too soon forgot their religion,
and rapidly exchanged their faith for the Bieformed doctrines.
The leading men of the county, the Herberts, and other cor-
morants of church property, were too subservient to the
views of the Court to attend to anything but their own
aggrandizement ; their study was not to encourage, but to
extinguish and annihilate Catholicity in the county. But
God, in his mercy, kept up the light of faith in a few favoured
spots, as I am going to show, and the prospect is brightening
upon us.
Wardaurj the seat of the Arundells, was the focus of
Catholicity in the county of Wilts. In its castle, until dis-
mantled by its owner to prevent its being made a fortress for
the king's enemies, religion had taken up her resting-place.
And under its ruins, commonly called Old Wardour, the
pious zeal of the famUy provided an oratory and a priest to
minister to the wants of the faithful. Years before the miti-
gation of the penal laws, Henry, the eighth Lord Arundell,
contemplated the erection of a splendid church, ninety-five
feet long in the interior, forty feet wide, and as many in
height. Quarenghi, a subject of Venice, and the happiest
imitator of Palladio, had been employed to furnish the design.
THE MISSIONS IN WILTSHIRE. 73
as I find by a letter of F. John Thorpe^ dated 9th March,
1774. This admirable place of divine worship was blessed
by Bishop Walmesley 81st October, 1776 ; and on the next
day, the feast of All Saints, was opened with a pomp unpire-
cedented since the restoration of Catholic faith in the reign
of Queen Mary of England. The congregation of Wardour
was long considered to be the lai^est out of London, and I
believe has furnished more Catholic servants than any other.
For the accommodation of the family and visitors, the side
galleries of the sanctuary were designed by Sir J. Soane.
But no correct idea of the beauty of the whole structure
and its appendages can be conceived, without the fullest
inspection.
A large school for the congregation has been provided by the
family. The late zealous pastor, the Rev. James Laurenson,
by his active industry succeeded in forming the spacious and
convenient cemetery, which was opened for the reception of
an infant (Elias Peter Burton) on 1st January, 1836, with
imposing solemnity, and to the unfeigned satisfaction and
joy of all friends of religion.
Bonham, — In p. 60 I have cursorily noticed this ancient
mission, founded by the illustrious house of Stourton.
Odstock. — For more than two centuries this was the pro*
perty of the Webb family, who maintained a priest. It was
sold by Sir John Webb to the second Lord Radnor. The
faithful, about fifty in number, were dispersed in conse-
quence, or merged into the Salisbury mission.
Salisbury. — Within a century back, Thomas, brother of
Henry, the eighth Lord Arundell, settled himself at Salisbury
and kept a domestic chaplain. He died in 1781. In the
sequel an emigrant French priest, the Rev. Nicholas Begin,
established himself there, and made himself much respected
by all classes. At the end of more than thirty years' service,
he died in that city, on 16th March, 1826. The chapel,
however, was indifferent, when the energetic zeal of Mr.
Lambert, a respectable and talented member of the congre-
gation, who had spent his early life at Wardour, was enkindled
to raise an edifice worthy of religion. In a convenient site,
he procured Bishop UUathome to lay the foundation-stone
of the present church of St. Osmund, on 8th April, 1847, and
it was consecrated with imposing solemnity on 6th Sep-
tember, 1848, by the same prelate, recently promoted to the
see of Birmingham, on his way to consecrate, at Clifton, his
grand vicar. Dr. Hendren, who had been appointed to the see
of Uranopolis and Y.A. of the Western District. This was
performed four days later.
74 THE MISSIONS IN WILTSHIRE.
It is cheering to learn that Chippenham^ is served from
Bath^ Swindon from Fairford^ and WiUmry Park from Salis-
bury. May they soon be improved into regular missions !
I am not aware that Wilts was stained with Catholic blood
on the scaffold. In an ancient MS. I found that a '^ Mr.
Green and Thomas Lynch were imprisoned for the Catholic
faith^ and died in Sarum jail about the year 1585.^'
I have seen an original document^ entitled '' The Create
Rolle of Thexcheq' for y* year of 5 Lord MDLVII/' that
the tenants and occupiers of the lands and estate of Thomas
Oawen, of Norrington^ county Wilts^ had to appear before
the Receiver-General. The roll sets forth that Thomas
Gawen^ Esq.^ was seized^ for the term of his life^ of the manor
and farm of Norrington and Trowe^ in Wilts, of the yearly
value of 400/.; as also of the messuage and farm called
Hurdcott House, in the said county, of the yearly value of
160/. That he had been sequestered for Popish recusancy in
two-thirds of the said rents ; viz., in the sum of 373/. 6«. 8rf.
from the 31st day of July, 1647, until his death, which took
place on 1st June, 1656.
My late friend Charles Bowles, of Shaftesbury, Esq., in
his excellent description of the Hundred of Chalk for Sir
Richard Hoare's " History of Modem Wiltshire," informs us,
p. 30, that Thomas Gkiwen, the father, by an inquisition taken
in the forty-third year of Queen Elizabeth (1601), pursuant
to the statute of the twenty-eighth year of her reign, was
fined in a sum not less than 1,380/., for having absented
himself from going to his own parish church for sixty-six
months, at the rate of twenty-eight days in the month, end-
ing the 16th of October, 1591 ; and was further fined in the
sum of 120/. imder the same Act, for not then having made
his submission and become conformable, according to the
said Act. Nor was this all, for it was by the same Inquisi-
tion found that he was a Popish recusant, and two parts out
of three of the clear annual value of all his estates were
seized for the Queen's use !
I think that the confessor, who died 1st June, 1656, had
removed to an estate he had at Horsington, coimty Somerset,
on which also the fangs of English Law had fastened with
vampire ferocity. His daughter Frances (sister?), first
abbess of the English Benedictines at Cambray, had died
7th May, 1640.
* John Hungerford Pollen, of Rodboume, Esq.^ erected a chapel
here» opened 22nd August, 1855. It is dedicated to our Lady. The
founder intends to appropriate it for a Catholic school, when he builds
a suitable edifice for solemn worship.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 75
CHAPTER X.
AN ACCOUNT OV THE CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN WILT8UIBE.
The first in property and influence was certainly the
Arundells, the Lords of Wardour — where John Lord Lovell
was empowered by King Richard II. to erect a castle in 1392.
— (See Calend. Rot. Patent.) Bat the first of the family who
settled at Wardour was Sir Thomas Arundell, the younger
son of Sir John Arundell^ of Lanheme^ knight^^ by his wife
Eleanor Gr^. His grandfather. Sir Thomas Arundell, Knt.,
who made his will 3rd October, 1485, had married Catherine,
fourth daughter of John Lord Dynham, who eventually
became a great co-heiress.
Prom Hooker's MS., belonging to the Corporation of
Exeter, I learn that this youn^^ brother, Sir Thomas Arundell,
was one of the royal commissioners for the suppression of
religious houses in the west of England. He had been
steward to the magnificent Abbey of Shaftesbury, founded
by the immortal Alfred ; and the Originalia prove how boun-
tifully Henry VIII. rewarded him with a share of its vast
possessions.f In command now of an ample fortune, he was
enabled to purchase Wardour of Sir Fulke Greville. But he
enjoyed this property a very short time. On 16th October,
1551, he was arrested as an accomplice in the conspiracy of
Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset; on very insufficient
* This Sir John Arundell died in London 8th February, 86th of
Henry VIII., 1545, and was buried in St. Mary's Woolnoth. See
Weever's Fun. Mon. p. 411. His elder son and executor, John, died
24th March, 1558. N.B. The reader must be aware that Domesday
Survey shows that Rog:er de Arundell was granted large estates in
Dorset and Somerset ; and that by the marriage of Alice de Connerton,
an heiress to Sir Ueinfrid Arun<{ell, Knight, about 1250, the Cornish
property accrued to the family.
t Cardinal Pole, on 24th December, 1554, had published the Dis-
pensation of Pope Julius III., by which neither possessors of moveable
or immoveable goods of the church should ever be liable to ecclesiastical
censures for detaining or not restoring them. By this decree all power
of pronouncing a different judgment is taken awav for ever. And lei
it be said to the eternal honour of the Englbh Catholic clergy, regular
and secular, that thev volunteered this perpetual sacrifice to peace and
social happiness, and supplicated the cardinal to proclaim this measure
at once so tranquillizing, conciliatory, and beneficial.
76 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
eyidence he was condemned to death by decapitation, on
Tower Hill, 26th February, 1552; and his estates were for-
feited to the Crown. His widow, Margaret, daughter and
6o-heir of Edward, the third son of Thomas Duke of Norfolk,
survived him nineteen years; her remains were deposited
in Tisbury church, which became the mausoleum of the
Arundell family.
At the accession of Queen Mary, she graciously restored
to Sir Matthew, the elder son of the late Sir Thomas Arundell,
the greater part of the forfeited property ; and he repurchased
of William, Earl of Pembroke, '' a man of a daring nature,
boisterously bold, and who had mightily raised himself by
the fall of abbies'* (Heylyn, p. 112, Hist, of Edward VI.),
the lordship and castle of Wardour, granted to him by King
Edward YI., the earl accepting the manor of Fovant in ex-
change. On recovering the castle. Sir Matthew placed on
its east front the following lines : —
** Gentis Arundellies Thomas, Lanhemiee Proles
Junior, hoc meruit prima sedere loco.
Ut sedii, cecidit ; sine crimine plectitur llle
Insons : Insontem fata secuta probant.
Nam, quee Patris erant, Matthsns filius emit,
Empta anxit, studio Principis aucta manent,
Comprecor, aucta diu maneaut, augenda peraevum.
Hcec dedit, eripuit, restituitque Deus."
I found the following translation in the handwriting of
Henry, the eighth Lord Arundell : —
** Here branch of Arundell's Lanheruian Race
Thomas first sat : and he desei-ved the place.
He sat and fell : Merit the fatal crime.
And Heav*n, to mark him faultless, bless'd his. line.
Matthew his offspring, as the father great
And happier in his prince, r^ain'd the seat
Confirm'd, enlarged, long may its fortune stand ;
His care who gave, resumed, restored the land.'*
The reader will think a much better version might be given.
The other brother of Sir Matthew was Charles, who quitted
England in the summer of 1583, and died 9th December,
1587. F. Robert Persons, who knew him well, speaks thus
of this worthy character : — .
** Mr. Charles Arondel, brother to Sir Matthew Arondel, after many
years continued in the court of England ; after he saw things grow to
that extremity as no Catholick man might be sufiered to live with his
conscience, he went into voluntary banuhment : and afterwards, for his
devotion, he went to visit the holy places of Rome, and from thence he
passed to see the king of Spaine (Philip 11.), and do his duty unto
hun : for that he WMois godfather at the time of his being in England,
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 11
and gare him the name of hu father Charles^ the emperor; and now
received him with great love and favour, and made him Mght^ and
besides other ffifts, assigned him also four score French crowns everv
month towards his maintenance. But Sir Charles returning afterwanu
to Paris lived very little while, but gave up his ghost most godly to his
Creator.**
Sir Matthew Arundell died in 1598, leaving, by Ids wife
Margaret (Willoughby), an only son, Thomas, who may be
justly ranked amongst the heroes of his time.
This Thomas, known by the title of the Valiant, had been
committed to prison by Queen Elizabeth in the summer of
1580, for his zeal in the Catholic cause : ** He had been
amongst the first,'^ writes F. Persons, ''that refused to go
to the Protestant church.'' On regaining his liberty he
obtained permission to travel abroad, and entering the Aus-
trian service under the Archduke Matthias, brother to the
Emperor Rhodolphus II., had immortalized himself* bj
eminent deeds of bravery against the Ottomans. Amongst
other acts of daring, at the siege of Oran, or Strigonium, he
was the first to enter the breach, on 7th September, 1595,*
to scale the walls of the citadel, to pull down, with his own
hand, the Turkish crescent, and plant the Imperial eagle
in its place. For such military prowess, the emperor created
him and his posterity counts of the Roman empire, on 14th
December, 1595 ; a translation of the letters patent I made
for the "Catholic Spectator" of November, 1826.
** RoDOLPH TUB Skconb, by the favour of the Divine clemency always
august, elected emperor of the Roman Empire and Germany, king of
Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia* Sclavonia, &c., archduke of
Austria, duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Etiria, Carinthia, Carniola, &C.9
marquess of Moravia, &c., duke of Lucenburgh, and of Higher and
Lower Silesia, Wirtemburgh, &c., prince of Suevia, count of Haps-
burgh, Tyrol, Kyburg, and Groritia, landgrave of Alsatia, marquess of
Bnrgovia, of th*e Sacred Roman Empire, and of Higher and Lower
Lusatia, &c., lord of the marouisate of Sclavonia, &c. To our illus-
trious and sincerely beloved Thomas Arundell, count of the Sacred
Roman Empire, our imperial favour and everything that is good.
Whereas we, according to our innate benign disposition, and the cle-
mency and example of the immortal Goa, who showers down in a
* In the Imperial and in the Esterhazy collection is a gold medal,
struck in memory of the capture of Strigonium. The Archduke
Matthias is represented on the obverse in the hussar dress, and holding
the baton in nis right hand. The circular inscription is *' mattias.
D. O. ARCHID. AUST. BTO. SUPR. BXSRC. BBL. IN. HUN. INFER. DUX.**
In the exeigue below the horse, ** militbmus. 1601." On the reverse
appears the town, with the besieging army before it Below,
^STRIOO. PAN. 1595
SEP. 7."
78 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
eepiotta manner the abundance of his heavenly liberality on mankind,
after that by hb Divine Majesty we were called and raised up to this
human majesty and the height of the imperial dignity, have nothing
more at heart (in order that the renown of our empire may be rendered
more conspicuous and illustrious) than that our munificence may be
fully extended and exercised towards all those whose bravery and
fidelity deserve it ; yet we think it highly necessarv that a diligent and
singular regard be had that a proper distinction be observed in conferring
rewards, honours, and dignities on men's deserts, namely, that one
may be distinguished from another by some higher d^;rees of honour ;
that those who are more nobly descended, who by their brave and illus-
trious actions and their regard to virtue, and hy^ strenuously exerting
themselves for the good of their country and their princes, greatly add
to those virtues derived from their ancestors, should be Mvanoed to
higher d^p^es of honour and dignity : for thus a due observance of
justice and equitv is maintained, and the minds of others by their
illustrious examples are excited to a becoming emulation of virtue and
glory. Taking therefore into consideration your ancient and illustrious
descent^ which (as 1 am assured by a letter from the most serene
princess and lady Elizabetli, queen of England, France, and Ireland,
our sister and cousin) in the renowned kingdom of England is derived
from the royal blood ; and those eminent virtues likewise, by which
you render the splendor of your family more illustriousi both at home
and abroad : Whereas yonr first care was to furnish your mind with
the knowledge of all good and useful literature ; vou have travelled
foreign countries, have seen many different cities ana their customs, by
which you have acauired much advantage : Whereas, finally, yon have
come at so great a aistance into Hungary at your own expence (excited
thereto by a singular and unusual zeal) to bear arms under us in this
sacred war which we wage against the Turk, the common enemy of the
Christian name, and have behaved yourself with such undaunted
bravery, both in the open field and in besieging cities and camps, as to
be held in general admiration ; and we have received more ample testi-
monies in your favour from the most Serene Prince Archduke Matthias
our dear brother, and from the commanding officers of our army this
eminent instance of your bravery : amongst others, being observed tliat
in the be»eging of the lower town, near Gran^ you with your own hand
took the harnner from the tower ^ and during the engagement placed yourself
in the front of the a/rmy^ which eminent services we would by no means
Sass by without bestowing upon you and your legitimate posterity some
istinguishing mark of our favour. Out of our motion, therefore, ^m
our certain knowledge, with a well deliberate mind, and having taken
g roper counsel thereon, we, by our full imperial authority and power,
ave created, made, and nominated you, the aforesaid Thomas Arundell
(who before this time derive from your ancestors in England the con-
sanguinity of counts), and all and eveiy of your children, heirs, and
legitimate descendants of both sexes already bom, or that hereafter shall
be, true counts and countesses of the Sacred Roman Empire, and we
have granted and ennobled you with the title, honour, and dignity of
counts of the empire, as by the tenor of these presents we do create,
make, nominate, grant, and ennoble, willing and firmly and expressly
decreeing, by this our imperial patent, which will be always in force,
that you, the aforesaid Tnomas Arundell, with all and every of your
children and legitimate posterity, both male and female, for ever, do,
have, possess, and assume for ever the title, style, and dignity of counts
of the empire, and that you be honoured, called, and styled by that
title both in writing and speaking, in things spiritual and temporal, eccle-
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 79
siaflfical and profane. And, finally, that you freely, and without any
impediment, use, enjo^, obtain, and partake of all and every of the
honouzB, ornaments, dignities, grants, liberties, privileges, rights, ancient
customs, pre-eminences and prerogatives, which our other counts of the
Sacred Roman Empire enjoy, use, and partake of, law or custom not
making any impediment, or requiring anything contrary to these : and
if there were uiy such laws or customs, particular and express mention
ought to be maae in these presents : All and every of which imnedi-
ments. We do by our imperial authority knowingly make void, ana will
and declare to be sufficiently void hj these presents (so that the rights
and privileges of the most serene Prmcess Elizabeth, Queen of England,
France, and Ireland, our most dear sister and cousin, remain safe and
secure). Let no one therefore, of whatever degree, state, order, con-
dition, or dignity, or whatever high rank or station he may be of,
revoke, or, by any rash attempt, contradict this our confirmation,
ratification, approbation, corroboration, eicecution, will, favour, and
decree. Whosoever shall do this, let him know by these presents, that
he, ipsofado^ incurs our very severe displeasure, and that of the Sacred
Roman Empire, and that he shall likewise be fined in the penalty of
one hundrM marks of pure gold, half of which we decree to be paid
into our imperial treasury, and the other to be paid and applied for the
use of the imured (without the least hopes of pardon or remission). In
testimony of these letters we have subscribed our hand, and fixed our
imperial seal. Given at our royal palace at Prague, the 14th day of
December, in the year of our Lord 1695 ; in the 21st year of our reign
of the empire, of Hungary the 24th, of Bohemia the 2l8t.*'
In tlie interesting preface to " The Divine Pedagogue/*
printed in London, 8vo., I read, p. 412, "bis very name
oecame as dreadful to the Turks, as that of Talbot* was
formidable to the French/' The new count returned home
in the following year : he had subscribed £100 (a consider-
able sum in those days) towards repelling the Spanish
armada, in which noble effort of national defence, the
English Catholics were as conspicuous as their Protestant
brethren. But the queen, with her characteristic littleness
of soul, objected to his using his well-earned title, " NoUem
* This English Achilles has been immortalized by our dramatic
Bard :—
^ Valiant Talbot above human thought
Enacted wonders with his sword and lance.
Hundreds he sent to hell, and none durst stand him :
Here, there, and everywhere enraged he flew.
The French exclaim'd, * The devil was in arms ! '
All the whole army stood agaaed on him.
His soldiers spying his undaunted spirit,
* A Talbot ! ' « A Talbot ! * cried out amain ;
And rush'd into the bowels of the battle."
Nash exclaims, "How would it have joyed brave Talbot, the terror of
the French, to thinke, that after he had'layen 200 yeare in his toomb
he shonld triumph again on the stage ; and have his bones new em-
balmed with the tears of 10,000 spectators at least, who in the tragedian,
thai represents his person, imagine they b^old him fresh bleeding."
80 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
oves meas alieno stigmate inuri^ nolim alieni pastoris sibilum
sequi/'— (Camden's "Annals of Elizabeth/' 1596.) Her
successor^ King James I., thought differently^ and graciously
elevated this illustrious subject to the dignity of the peerage^
by the style and title of Baron Arundell^ of Wardour^ on 4th
May^ 1605. Yet Charles I. commenced his reign by disarm-
ing the gallant hero, because he was a Catholic. — (See
Rushworth's " Histor. Col./' vol. i. p. 194.) This noble lord
was rewarded with a death precious in the sight of God^ on
7th November, 1639, set. seventy-nine. His beautiful por-
trait, taken by Vandyke four years before, may be seen at
Wardour. He was twice married ; first, to Mary, daughter
of Henry, earl of Southampton, a stanch Boman Catholic, —
^'Bomanse religion! si quis alius devotus," as Camden
describes him (" Annales/' 1583) ; and, secondly, to Ann
Phillipson, who died 28th June, 1637. To this Lady Ann,
'* The Draught of Eternity/' by Camus, bishop of Bellay,
as translated by the Bev. Miles Carr, was dedicated.
Thomas, the eldest son"^ of this first Lord ArundeU,
inherited the title and estates with the virtues of his heroic
father. At the beginning of the troubles between King
Charles I. and his Parliament, the factious House of Com-
mons, in November, 1641, issued directions to secure his
person; but he escaped apprehension; and when the royal
standard was erected at Nottingham, 22nd August, 1642, his
lordship raised a regiment of horse, and bravely maintained the
cause of his uufortunate sovereign. It is said in the inscrip-
tion at Wardour, that he died of his wounds at Oxford, on
19th May, 1643, aged fifty-six ; and this derives confirmation
from the brass that I copied in the sacristy of Wardour
chapel, formerly, it seems, affixed to his lordship's coffin.
, Depositum
Inclytissimi Nobilissimiqtie
Dni D&i Thomis Arundell
Baronis Arundell de Castro
Warderensi in Agro Wilto-
niensi in An^lia, et Comitis
Sacrosancti Romani
Imperii, qui dum fidele
Obsequium suum Carolo
Regi prestitit^ Oxonii
Morte Bublatus fuit, 19
die meusis Mail, A&o Dni
1643.
* The second son, William, was a colonel in the king's armv. His
portrait, by P. Longsing, may be seen in the dining-room at Wardour.
In pulling down part of Uie old house at Bruton, a brass plate,
PAM1LIE8 IN WTLTSHIFE. 81
If this date be correct, the received report, that he was shot
in the thigh with a brace of bullets at the battle of Lans-
down, and carried off to the city of Oxford, where he died
shortly after, must be erroneous ; for that battle was fought
on 5th July, 1643. I suspect that his wounds were received
at Beading, in April that year.
The learned Franciscan writer. Dr. Richard Mason
(Angelus k S. Francisco, who died 30th December, 1678,
aet. seventy-eight, prof, forty-eight, sac. forty-four), in his
excellent work, " The Liturgical Discourse,** extols the noble
lord*s piety and devotion to the holy sacrifice of the altar.
His lordship married Blanche, sixth daughter of Edward
Somerset, fifth earl and second marquis of Worcester, of
whom it has often been observed, that ''England did not
possess a more discreet or faithful subject ; and that if the
king had been ruled by his counsels, he might have pre-
served both his life and his crown.*' This lady, worthy of
such a Catholic father, has signalized her memory by her
spirited defence of Wardour Castle during nine days, against
the overwhelming force under the command of Sir Edward
Hungerford and William Strode. The articles of capitula
tion were signed on 8th May, 1643.* She followed her
lord to the grave, 28th October, 1649, aet. sixty-eight. Hei
death occurred at Winchester.
The third baron, called Henry, was the only son of the
noble Lord Arundell, that victim of his loyalty. The authoi
of " The Liturgical Discourse,** above mentioned, informs us,
that Henrietta Maria, the illustrious daughter of Henry IV.
of France, and queen of our sovereign, Charles I., had
appointed him master of the horse. Treading in the foot-
probably once attached to a coffin, was found early in 1701, thus
inscribed : —
" The body of Mary, Lady St. John, wife of the Lord St. John, eldest
son of the Marquis of Winchester, and afterwards married to William
Arundell, second son of the R*. Hon"* Tho' Lord Arundell of Wardour.
Deceased November the xiii. Anno mdcxcii. and in the xcix. year of
her age."
N.B. Their sister Ann married Cecil Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore,
but died, without issue, 2drd July, 1649, et 34.
* The best account of this first siege may be found in the *' Mercurius
Rnsticus ;" but of the second sieee, in Edmund Ludlow's Memoirs,
▼ol. i., from page 59. ^ This Ludlow was appointed by Sir Edward
Hungerford to he governor of Wardour CasUe, and discovered in one of
its walls plate an'd jewels to the value of about £1,200. On his
subsequent surrender of the castle (which had been sadly shaken and
dismantled) in March, 1644, he gave up the plate to Lord Arundell for
his civility " (Memoirs, p. 75).
o
82 ACCOUNT OP CATHOLIC
steps of his honoured parents, he vigorouslj opposed the
parliamentary forces. In March, 1644, he retook his castle
of Wardour, which he reduced to a ruin, to prevent the
rebels from ever converting it into a fortress. The declining
cause of the king involved him in accumulated embarrass-
ments. The above-mentioned author of "The Liturgical
Discourse " commends his inflexible fidelity and devotion to
his king and country, which "evidently appeared by your
actions in the war, and sufferings after, having not only lost
your blood in several battles, but yourself demolished that
ancient and noble seat of Wardour Castle, the only habita-
tion which the malice of the king's enemies had left you.
And the war being ended, having for several years lain under
a total sequestration of the profits, was forced to repurchase,
with no less than five and thirty thousand pounds, your own
estate, which, by the iniquities of those times, was adjudged
forfeited for your loyalty to the crown." F. Weldon,
also, in "The Divine Pedagogue," compares his lordship's
afiSictions to those of Job, adding, " The rebels seized your
children and virtuous lady (Cecily), — ^your plentiful stock of
cattle was driven by the rabble, — your mansion-house taken
and plundered by the enemy, — your estates exposed to sale
before your face, — and yourself obliged to travel into foreign
countries for a subsistence,^* But in all these disasters he
was never heard to repine at the dispositions of Providence.
I have seen a document entitled, "A Particular of the
Estate late of Henry, Lord Arundel, of Warder, sold at
Drury House." N.B. The purchaser was Humphrey Weld,
Esq., but as a firiend in behaLf of his lordship.
Ist April, 1653. — The manor of Melbniy Abbesse and
Kingsdon, com. Dorset and Somerset, sold to Hum-
phry Weld, gent., the purchaser, full paid £8,732 1 8f
27th April, 1653. — The manor of Fountmill, co. Dorset,
to H. Weld, first moiety 3,690 14 7
22nd June, 165a--The manor of Sembley, CO. Wilts... 3,057 9 1
„ „ ThemanorofBridsey, CO. Wilts ... 75113 6
„ „ The manor of Tollard Royal, in co.
Dorset and Wilte 1,692 16 6
This lot sold to H. Weld, who paid the first moiety.
Meere Park and Lodge, co. Wilts, sold the same day to
Nicholas Green, Esq., who paid the first moiety ...... 275 15 3
8th July, 1653.— Wardour Park, co. Wilts, to Weld,
who paid first moiety 2,028 1 3
15th July, 1653. — Messuages in Sutton Mandeville, co.
Wilts, fo Weld, first moiety 319 H
22nd July, 1653.— Manor of South Petherton, co. So-
merset, to Humphry Weld, first moiety ......J 1,998 15 11
FAMILIES IN WILT8HIUE. 83
2^h July, 1663. — Manor of Godington, co. Oxen, to
Weld, first moiety £1,065 10
2nd Sept. 1663. — Manor of Somerton, co. Oxon 804 17 11
„ „ Manor of Donhead, CO. Wilts 3,078 12
Both paid by Weld, who paid the first moiettos.
Several estates of his returned, but not proceeded upon, viz. : —
Manor of Hasledonne, co. Wilts.
Manor of Margarett Marsh, co. Dorset.
Part of Manor of Chiltertavg, co. Somerset.
Manor of Broadclist, co. Devon.
Manor of Allcomsey, co. Somerset.
Manor of Tisbury, co, Wilts.
Manor of Anstey,* co. Wilt«.
Manor of Langeritshill, co. Dorset.
Rectory of Poundestocbe, Cornwall.
Manor of Hampreston, co. Dorset.
Manor of Milburv Osmond, co. Dorset.
Several coppices in More Critchill, co. Dorset.
Manor of dnislebourne, co. Dorset.
Rectory of Chisleboume, co. Dorset.
At the restoration of monarchy^ the noble lord recovered
his property at the expense of £35^000. Now in possession
of the means, he devoted himself to works of charity and
benevolence. F. Weldon writes, in the work above quoted,
that his lordship preserved thousands of the poor from
starving, and that hundreds of the Irish nation were indebted
to him for their lives. Such a loyalist and patriot was entitled
to the grateful consideration of his sovereign, but King
Charles II. forgot him in the days of his prosperity; nay,
almost suffered him to become the martyred victim of the
palpable forgeries and perjuries of TVus Oates, '^ the most
infamous of mankind,^' as Hume describes him, or as Macaulay
regards him, '^ as the falsest, the most malignant, and the
most impudent being that ever disgraced the human form —
the founder of the school of false witnesses.'' On that wretch's
swearing that he had seen the commission to make him Lorol
Chancellor, the old peer was hurried to the Tower in October,
1678, where he was joined by the Catholic peers Earl Powis,
Viscount Stafford, and Barons Petre and Belasyse. The death
of the king released him from imprisonment in the sixth year
of his confinement,t as Evelyn relates in his Memoirs, vol. i.
* For some time a Catholic school was kept here.
t In the early part of his imnrisonment he wrote a few small poems,
printed in London in 1679. Ist. A Valediction to the World. 2nd.
Persecution no Loss. Srd. On the text *<God chastiseth those whom
He loves.'* 4th. Considerations before the Crucifix. 5th. Upon tlie
Pains of Hell.
o 2
8i - ACCOUNT OP CATHOLIC
p. 543. I think he was discharged on bail 12th February,
1684. The ministers daring that disgraceful period of our
annals were too cowardly to bring him to a public trial ; for
few men possessed more spirit and penetration of character ;
few could show such services to the crown, or knew better
the secrets of the Cabinet. Perhaps, also, they were con-
scious that he had prepared a powerful vindication, which is
still extant. King James II. exerted himself to repair the
abominable injustice of his deceased brother and sovereign.*
In May, 1685, he procured his discharge from bail, made
him a Privy Councillor,t and finally appointed him Keeper of
the Privy Seal on 10th March, 1687. But he was doomed
to sit in the Cabinet with disguised traitors, who had plotted
the downfall of their too credulous king, to whom they had
sworn inviolable fidelity. He survived the Revolution, and
* Yet Macaulay, Hbt. of England, vol. ii. p. 47, represents him as
unfriendly to moderate measures; as an old man rast sinking into
** second childhood.''
t The amount of fees on being sworn of the Privy Council appears
from the receipt dated 24th July, 1686, to have been £26.
I copy the following important document from the original : —
*' After our very hearty commendations to your lordship, it having
E leased Almighty God, about ten of the clock this morning, to bless
is Majesty and his Royal Consort, the Queene, with the birth of a
hopeful! son, and his Majesty's kingdoms and dominions with a prince,
his Majesty hath commanded us to signify the same to your lordship,
and to pray and require you to cause notice thereof to be forthwith
given by Proclamation or otherwise, as is usual throughout that island,
and therebv to appoint Sundapr, the first of Jul v next, being the day
set in his Majesty's Proclamation to be observed in this kingdome, as
well for a Solemne Thanksgiving to Almighty God for this inestimable
blessing, as for such other expressions of puhliaue rejoyceings suitable
to this great occasion, as vour lordship shall judge fit. And so,-not
doubting of your lordship s ready complyance herewith, wee bid you
very heartily ifarewell. From y* Council Chamber in Whitehall, this
10th day of June, 1688.
** Your lordship's very loving friends,
" Jeffreys, C. Sunderland, P.
" Arundell, C. p. S. Powis.
" Huntingdon. Craven.
*' BbRKBLET. MiDDLIbTON."
•« To y* Lord Jermyn, Gov' of Jersey.
** John Nicholas."
Endorsed,
** To our very good Lord Thomas, Lord Jermin, Governor of his.
Majesty's Island of Jersey, or in his absence to the Lieutenant-
Grovemor, or other officer commanding in chief."
FAMILIES IN >V1LTSHIRK. 85
closed his lengthened career on the 28th December, 1694, on
the very same day and hour when Mary, the consort of the
unnatural King William III., breathed her last. Of this
nobleman we may say, " he was a firm pillar to the Common-
wealth, a faithful patron of the Catholic Church, a fair
pattern to the British Court ; he lived to the welfare of his
country, to the honour of his prince, and to the glory of his
God.*'
'In the dining-room at Wardour may be seen his portrait,
and that of his wife Cecily, daughter of Sir Henry Compton,
K.B., and relict of Sir John Fermor, knight. She died
2l8t March, 1675, set. sixty-seven. Their daughter Cecily,
a poor Clare at Rouen convent (colonized from Gravelines,
1644),* survived until 13th June, 1717, at. eighty-two. Rel. 55.
Her interesting portrait may be seen at Wardour.
I now come to the fourth Lord^ Thomas Arundell, who
had been one of the suite of Lord Castlemain in the embassy
to Pope Innocent XI. in 1686. Notwithstanding the here-
ditary services which his family had rendered to the Stuart
dynasty, this nobleman was imder the necessity of soliciting
as a *boon from Queen Anne's Privy Council, a licence to
protect his coach and saddle horses from being seized by
English law. In their gracious wisdom and condescension
to a Papist, they granted him the following protection. At
the top of the original licence is the seal of office, with the
letters sigill. privi. conc. : —
** Whereas humble suit hath been made to this Board, in behalf of
the Right Honourable the Lord Amndell, of Wardour, in the county
of Wilts, for licence to keep six coach-horses and four Baddle-horses,
We do hereby licence and permit the said Lord Arundell to keep the
said horses, which are not to be seized as horses belonging to Papists,
till further order, provided that his lordship gives security, before one of
her Majesty's justices of y* peace for the said county, that the said
horses shall be forthcoming upon signification of her Ma*'* pleasure in
that behalf. Whereof all persons concernM are to take notice, and
govern themselves accordingly. Dated at the Council Chamber at
St. James's, the 12th day of February, 1704.
"Pembrokb, P. Kbnt. Radnor. Poulktt.
"R. Fkbbebs. Granville. Cunnybsby."
•* Lord Arundell, of Wardour."
The document is thus indorsed in the noble lord's hand-
writing : —
•* My lycence for keeping horses."
* Their church was dedicated in honour of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
on 23rd May, 1607.
86 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
His lordship married Margaret Spencer, and died 10th
February, 1712. His brother Henry, who had taken to wife
Mary Scrope, lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight,
paying the debt of nature 9th August, 1721.
The fifth Lord, Henry, enjoyed the title but fourteen years,
dying 25th June, 1726. He had taken to wife Miss Eliza-
beth Panton, of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, London ; but who
lived not to become a peeress ; for she deceased 9th May,
1700. His brother Thomas, a promising youth, was killed at
the battle of the Boyne.
The sixth Lord, Henry, married twice — ^first, Elizabeth
Eleanora, daughter and heir of Baron Raymond Everard, of
Petherd, county Tipperary, who died in 1730." Her ladyship
ceased to live on 22nd May, 1728, set. thirty-five. Second,
the Lady Ann Herbert, who died in September, 1757. Her
tloble husband had preceded her to the grave on 29th June,
1746, set. fifty-two. Their third son, James Everard, married
Ann Wyndhara.
Henry, the seventh Lord ArundeU, is entitled to special
attention, from the circumstance of his marriage with Mary,
daughter and heiress of Richard BellingArundell,of Lanbeme,
Esq., which re-united the families, after a separation of two
centuries. It may be proper here to state to the reader that
Sir Richard Belling, son of Sir Hugh Belling, was a gifted
lawyer, and became a leading member in the supreme council
of the confederated Catholics at Kilkenny ; but was not the
author of the " Yindicise Catholicorum Hibemiee,^' printed
at Paris in 1650, which treats of Irish affairs from 1641 to
1649. The real author of that volume was the Rev. John
M'Callagham. This Sir Richard, by his wife, Margaret Butler
(who died in 1635^ four years after her marriage), left at his
death at Dublin, in 1677, two sons. Sir Richard and James.
The latter adopted the military profession, and died in 1706;
the former left Ireland, as I found by his own letter, in 1643.
After a suitable education he went into France, where he
probably rejoined his father, who returned to Ireland after
the restoration, and recovered his estates through the interest
of the Duke of Ormonde. Our junior followed the court,
and became principal secretary to Queen Catherine, the eon-
sort of King Charles II. In 1670 he married Mary, the
younger daughter of Sir John Arundell, of Lanheme ; the
elder daughter, Frances, married Sir John Giffard, of Borstal!,
CO. Lincoln, Bart., and died in London without issue on 28th
February, 1752.*
• See Ai'i'ENDix No. IV.
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 87
In the notes of Henry^ the eighth Lord Arundell^ I read,
"The anniyersary of Henry Lord Anindell, xny father, is
12th September, 1756*' (he died in the thirty-eighth year of
his age) ; " and of Mary Lady Arundell, my mother, 22nd
March, 1769/'
Henry, the eighth Lord Arundell^ and his brother Thomas,
who died 2l8t July, 1781, were the happy issue of the united
houses of Wardour and Lanheme. Henry entered St.
Omer's College, by the name of Belling, on 16th August,
1758, and finally left it, on 1st May, 1758. P. Charles
Booth, S.J., accompanied him in his continental tour. This
accomplished gentleman, on 81 st May, 1768, was united in
holy wedlock to Mary Christina, only daughter and heiress of
Benedict Conquest, of Houghton Conquest^ co. Bedford, and
of Imham, co. Lincoln, Esq., by his wife, Mary, daughter of
Thomas Markham, of Otterton, Notts, Esq.* In 1771, his
lordship commenced the present stately mansion, upon a
gentle eminence,t about a mile from the old castle, which
* On the occasion of his lordship's marriage the following ode was
addressed to him by the Rhetoricians of Bruges : —
'^ Diva, Pindi quae regis ardua,
Descende, nam qus te mora longius
Retardet hierentem? & jubenti
Carmen Arundblio canoris
** Deprome nervis. Nunc resonos Hymen
Tentare cantos, nunc pede libero
Pulsare tellurem, & secundo
Festa monet ceiebrare plausu.
" Jam nuptiali luce micant lares,
Jam pom pa Isto ducitur ordine,
Conquesta jam victrix, marito
Digna suo nova sponso prodit.
^ Tnrba en ! procorum csetera patriae
Sedes requirunt, ut Jovis armiger
Crbtas^ue^ nomenque, & superbos
Expbcuit titulos tionoruiu.
** Mirata lenes eloquii sales^
Cultus(j[ae pulchri corporis & decus,
Captiva deduci triumphat
Nympha nov& decorata palm^.
*^ Sic ambo longum Yiylte, mutuis
Sincera jnncti pectora amoribus,
Utroque sic dign& Parente
Prole domum Superi secundent."
t It was a large cornfield. I rem^nber to have heard old Noah
Lever, who died at Wardour, 18th August, 1845, aged eighty-five, and
had always lived there, relate that he was actually driving the plough
over the site of the present mansion, when he was ordered to stop, as
they were going to oig trenches in that direction.
88 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
began to be partially inhabited^ on 6th October^ 1775; and
into which the family was enabled to settle in the coarse of
the ensuing twelvemonth. It is, indeed, a splendid pile, and
a convenient family dwelling ; and as for the chapel, I can
say from experience, that I have visited none that inspired
such devotional feeling. This princely nobleman possessed
refined taste and magnificent ideas, as his collection of
paintings and rarities abundantly proves; his hospitality like-
wise was unbounded. Unfortunately, his expenses far exceeded
his income, and in his latter years he experienced the humi*
liating vicissitudes of fortune. After a short illness, he
departed this life at Wardour, 4th December, 1808, set.
sixty-eight, and was buried in the family-vault of the noble
chapel which he dedicated to Gh)d. His honoured widow
retired in the summer of 1810 to Imham, where she closed
her saintly life, on Sunday, 20th Jtme, 1813, «t. seventy.
As the estates were devised in fee to her by her late lord, she
settled on the Arundell family the Wardour property ; while
to her surviving daughter, Eleanor, Lady Clifford, she
assigned her property in Lincolnshire and Cornwall.
By default of issue male, the title of ninth Lord Arundell
descended to the late lord's cousin, James Everard Arundell,
of Ashcombe, Esq., who had married, on 3rd February,
1785, his cousin, Mary Christina, eldest daughter and
coheir of the above-mentioned eighth lord; but who had
died, on 14th February, 1805, at. forty, leaving a numerous
offspring. He was the eldest son of the Honourable James
Everard Arundell, by his wife Ann, the only child of John
Wyndham, of Ashcombe, Wilts, Esq., by his wife Ann
(Barber).* In 1814 his lordship disposed of Ashcombe
(where he had kept a French priest) and several other
estates, for the laudable purpose of discharging the heavy
incumbrances which attached to the Wardour property.
Perhaps, had he not contracted a second marriage, and had
thus to make provision for another family, his laudable design
would have been better accomplished. He died, 14th July,
1817, act. fifty-four. His widow survived till November,
1853, aet. seventy-three.
I now come to the tenth lard, James Everard, eldest son
of the ninth Lord. He was bom in London, 3rd November,
1785, and received his early education at Stonyhurst, which
he completed under an able tutor, I'Abbe Gossier, as I well
remember. Whilst captain in the Buckinghamshire Militia,
* This heiress of Robert Barber, of Ashcombe, Esq., died 20th June,
1748, aged .51.
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRK. 89
he formed an acquaintance with Lady Mary Grenville^ only
daughter of George, first marquis of Buckingham, which
ended in a marriage, on 26th February, 1811, of which there
was no issue. They were, indeed, an example of conjugal life.
This amiable and accomplished gentleman had lost his noble
father-in-law full four years before the death of his own
father, so that in coming to take possession of the Wardour
property, he had but a gloomy prospect before him ; and it
is only wonderful that he made such improvements in the
house, grounds, farm-houses, and cottages. In a letter to
me, preparatory to a journey to London, he thus movingly
expressed himself. " To-morrow I set off for London with a
heavy heart. It has no longer amusements and charms for
me ; the trials I have undergone, no doubt for wise purposes,
have subdued my spirits. My ambition and my only wish
is, if it is the will of Providence, that I may have a compe-
tence to enable me to live at Wardour, and protect the
Catholic religion. God only knows whether I am worthy of
this honour, and His holy will be done in all things."
A few years later he went abroad. Proceeding to Rome,
and whilst in perfect health, he was visiting the church of
the Gesu there, he pointed out to his lady, the week before
his death, a spot in front of the chapel of the Sacred Heart,
as that which he should prefer to all others for his inter-
ment. Almighty God granted him this desire of his heart,
and his widow placed over his grave the following epitaph : —
P
A X Q,
Everardo
Decimo Baroni Arundell de Warder
Sac. Rom. Imp. Comiti
Fide Pietate Exemplo
De Religione bene merito
Coll. Saxo-Sylv. in Anglia olim Alumno
Societ. Jesu Htudiossissimo
Maria Grenville ex March, de Buckingham
Marito optirao eheu superstes
Cum lachrymis posuit
Obiit die xxi. Junii
Recurrente Festo
Divi Aloysii Patroni sibi dilecti
An. Sal. u.D.cccxxxiiii.
Orate pro anima illius.
R. I. p.
Her ladyship has placed at the west end of the noble chapel
at Wardour, a beautiful bust of her lamented lord, by Berto-
90 ACCOUNT OP CAtriOLIC
lini^ of Florence^ a pupil of Canoya, with the following
inscription : —
P
A X Q
Piiiy for the soul of
Everard,. tenth Baron Arundell, of Warder,
Who died at Rome in the 49th year of his age,
On the Festival of his Patron St. Aloysius,
June 2l8t, A.D. 1834.
Devotedly attached to
The Catholic and Apostolic Faith,
He used his utmost influence
To promote its interests
In his native land.
And to advance the prosperity of
The Society or Jesus,
To which he owed, with his education.
His deep conviction of
The Truths of Religion,
And his love of Literature and of the Arts.
All who knew him
Deplored his premature loss,
But none more than the poor.
To whose wants he administered,
Whose Bufferings he laboured to alleviate
And whose cause
He energetically advocated
During an eventful and distressing crisis.
This cenotaph
Is erected to the Memory of
A beloved and honoured Husband
by
His disconsolate Widow.
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of
death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed
to die ; but they are in peace. — Wisd. c. iii.
This dowager Lady Arundell survived until Ist June,
1845, set. fifty-eight, when I trust she joined her saintly
husband in a happier world. She was buried at Ratcliffe
collegiate church, near Loughborough, with this epitaph : —
'' Orate pro animft Mariro
Anns, Georgii Marchionis
Buckingham iensis Filie, Jacobi
Everardi Baronis Arundell
de Warder Yiduse, quae religiosa
pietate, et prsesertim charitate erga
pauperes, conspicua fuit Die 1 Junii,
A.D. 1845, eetatis suae 58,
in sancta pace quievit.*'
The death of this dear lord made way to the title and
estate for his only brother, the Honourable Henry Benedict,
bom at Irnham, 13th November, 1804, who promises to
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 91
equal the merits of bis illnstrious predecessors, and to perpe-
tuate their virtues in his son and presumptive heir, John
Francis, bom 28th December, 1831.
Before I conclude my notice of the Arundells, I may refer
to Ann, daughter of the first lord, whom I cursorily mentioned
in p. 8. She was reputed one of the most accomplished and
beautiful women of her time ; and accepted for her husband,
Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore.''^ This nobleman,
in June, 1632, had granted to him, by King Charles I., the
proprietorship of the province of Maryland,t and he was also
created Lord Glastonbury. The Barton, called Hook Farm^
near Wardour, was her ladyship's marriage-portion from her
father. But God thought fit to dissolve their conjugal
union by her premature death, on 23rd July, in the year
1649, at. thirty-four. To her memory he erected " a monu*
ment of his love ^* in Tisbury church, and on the borders of
her tomb is written : —
** Ann Arundell, y« most beautifal and best wife of Cecil Calvert,
baron of Baltimore, proprietor of Maryland, and lord of Glastonbury,
most beloved daughter of Thomas Arundell, first baron of Wardour,
and count of the sacred Roman empire."
The bereaved lord, having no issue by her, restored at his
death Hook Farm to the family, and it still constitutes part of
the Wardour property.
In Mudie's " English Medals " may be seen the descrip-
tion of one of this couple. On the obverse is the bust of his
lordship, with this legend (plate 34, No. 1) : —
^ DMS . OiSCILIVS . BARO . DB . BALTEMORB
ABSOLV . DMS . TEBRiB . MARI J! . ET . AVALONIiB."
On the reverse is his lady, —
*' DNA . ANNA . ARVNDBLLA . PVLCHBRRIMA
KT . OPTIMA . CONIVX . C^CILII . PR^DICTI."
Her ladyship^s portrait, by Vandyke, may be seen in the
dining-room of Wardour.
* His father, Sir George Calvert, aH experienced statesman, and M.P.
for the Universitv of Oxford, was created Lord Baltimore, co. Longford,
Ireland, 16th Febniary, 1624. He was a convert. Dying in London^
15th April, 1682, he was buried in St. Dunstan's, Fleet Street
t Kinff Charles I., in June, 1632, made him a grant of Uie pro-
prietorship of Maryland, and he took possession of it early in 1634, in
company of F. Andrew White and four other Jesuits, with 200 Catholic
settlers. Mass was first celebrated in St. Clement's, now called Heron's
Island, in the Patuxent river, on 26th March, 1634. About the time
of the Restoration his lordship died, and was succeeded by his excellent
92 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
Next to the Ai-undells, in point of influence in Wilts,
though much earlier residents in the county, were the
Stourtons. Perhaps the history of the family subsequent to
the conquest, until the death of Henry V., may be tinged
and obscured by fancy ; but it is well known that Sir John
Stourton, Knight, was a wise and religious statesman ; that
he was appointed by King Henry VI., in 1428, to the
government of Ireland for two years ; in 1446 was made
treasurer of the household; and on 13th May, 1447, was
elevated to the peerage by the style and title of Baron
Stourton, of Stourton, in the county of Wilts. From a
deed of John Stafford, bishop of Bath and Wells, and dated
London, 4th June, 1443, this John Stourton had recently
rebuilt the nave and chancel of the Black Canons of Stavor-
dale priory (St. Jameses), near Wincanton. His lordship, by
his lady, Margery, daughter of Sir John Wadham, Knight,
left at his death, which occurred 25th November, 14S2,
a son, William, This second peer increased his property by
his union with Margaret, the elder daughter of Sir John
Chidiock, Knight.* The younger, Catherine, married Sir
John Arundell, of Lanherne, Knight. By this union he had
three sons, John, TVilliam, and Edward, who successively
attained the peerage. This second baron died on 18th
February, 1478, aet. forty-six.
The third baron, John, married Catherine Berkeley ; but
left no issue male at his death, 8th October, 1484, aet. forty-
six. His daughter Ann, however, survived until 15th August,
Bon, Charles Calvert, third Lord Baltimore, who lived to see himself
deprived of his Maryland property by King William HI. This con-
fessor of the faith was buried at St. Fancras, London, 26th February,
1720. His only son, Benedict Leonard Calvert, had apostatized on
Srd January, 1714-5, to recover this family estate, and succeeded.
*'Quid prodest homini?" (Matt. xxv. 26.) This fourth lord married
Charlotte, daughter of Edward, earl of Lichfield, who long survived
her husband. The fifth and last lord, of disreputable fame, died in Italy
late in 1771 • We read in the Gent. Mag. of January, 1772, that his
remains were brought over for interment in the family vault at Epsom.
They lay in state inlLiondon,24th January ; but ** his lordship had injured
his character in his life by seduction ; so that the populace paid no
regard to his memory when dead ; but they plundered the room where
his body hctd lain in atate^ the moment it was removed" (p. 44). For his
disgraceful conduct, see Gent. Mag. of 1768, pp. 42, 92^ 140, 180.
* 1 have seen an original lease by Sir John Chidiock, dated 20tli
April, 1427, by which he grants to John Curteys and Agnes liis wife,
and their son John, an estate in Westbury, Wilts, for their several lives,
under the vearly rent of ISs. 4</. On 24th September, 1512, Sir John
Arundell, Knt., leased tlie said property to Thomas Knight for a term
of fifty -five yearb ; but under the yearly rent of £4. 16*.
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 03
1533^ and was buried at Fulham * Weever, in his "Ancient
Funeral Monuments/^ gives her epitaph^ p. 526.
** Hie jacet Anna Sturton, filia Johannis
Sturton Domini de Sturton et Domini
Katherine uxoris ejus. Que quidem
Anna obiit in Assumptione beate Marie
Virginia Ann. Dom. 1533.'*
The fourth baron, William^ succeeded his brother in 1478,
and after holding the estates and title for nearly forty-five
years died on 17th February, 1523.
I have seen the seal and sign manual of this noble lord t
attached to a deed, dated from Stourton, 20th September,
sixteenth of King Henry VII. (1500), by which he assigns
the advowson, nomination, and free disposition of the parish
church '^de Houghton in Comitatu Dorset,^' to John
Wrotesley, Thomas Thomhill, Robert Dyrdoo, and that
ominous name, William Hartgylle.
The third brother, Edward, must have been an old man to
take his seat as the fifth Baron Stourton ,* yet he filled it for
twelve years, dying, on 18th December, 1535. By his wife,
Agnes Fauntleroy, he left a son and heir, William. The
monument of this Lady Agnes may be seen on the south
side of the chancel of Stourton Candle church. The sixth
Lord, William, died in 1548, set. forty-three. By his lady,
EUzabeth, the daughter of Edmund Dudley, Esq., and sister to
John, Duke of Northumberland, he left a numerous progeny.
Over his eldest son, Charles, the seventh Lord Stourton,
I could wish to draw a veil. He certainly showed a
Catholic spirit in voting against the statute for the burning
and destroying of the copies of the old Liturgy in 1549 ;
and again in opposing the tyrannical Act of 1551, which
severely punished absence from the service of the amended
Common Prayer. Neglecting, however, the duty of self-
government, and unmindful of the text, " If thou give thy
soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thine enemies "
(Eccles. xviii. 31), he brought disgrace upon himself, and
nearly entailed ruin on his posterity. From the Fourth
Report of the Public Records, p. 256, I collect that his
* Lysons, in his ^* Environs of London," vol. ii. p. 361, informs us that
in 1449 John Shirhourn and others conveyed a house and garden at
Fnlham, then valued at Ss. 4d, per annum, to John Lord Stourton, and
that it was for several generations the property and residence of his
descendants.
t I think he married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Chidiock.
Sir James Chudleigh married his daughter Margaret. See Sir William
Pole's ** Devon,*' p. 255. The Stourton arms are on the font at Ashton.
94 . ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
lordship had long harboured a rancorouB feeling in his heart
against William Hartgyll^ of Kylmington, oo. Somerset,
gentleman, and his son and heir, John Hartgyll ; that his
lordship, on Monday, 11th January, 1557, did proceed, with
his servants and others to the number of forty, to their
house, and there arrested them, under pretence of their
having committed a felony ; that they were conveyed to his
house at Bonham, with their hands tied behind them, and
kept there in prison the whole of Tuesday; when about
eleven o'clock that night he had them removed to a certain
close called ''the Worth,'' near the garden oi his capital
mansion of Stourton, in Wilts, where they were cruelly
murdered in his presence; that their bodies were then
brought into a room of his lordship's mansion, which was
over the dungeon ; that the bodies were thrown thence into
the dungeon, and therein were deeply buried. The indict-
ment against his lordship was found at Salisbury, on 19th
February; his trial, before Henry, earl of Arundel, the
Lord Steward, and his peers, followed on 26th February ;
when, being pronounced guilty, and having acknowledged
himself to be so, judgment was passed that he be hanged, but
no place of execution was named. Heylyn, in his History
of Queen Mary, conjectures that his lordship flattered him*
self with the hope that ''his seal to the Popish religion
would make it no hard matter to procure the queen's
pardon; but the murder was too foul to be capable of such
favour.^' (P. 74.) On the 6th of March he was executed in the
market-place of Salisbury, and was buried under a plain altar-
tomb in the cathedral of that city. Heylyn thus concludes :
" With this fact the family might have expired, if the queen
(Mary), having satisfied justice by his execution, had not
consulted with her mercy for the restoring of his next heir,
both in blood and honour.^' But Mr. HatseU, a graver
authority, in volume fourth of his "Precedents," p. 4,
affirms, that, from the message of the Lords entered in the
Commons' Journal of 12th March, 1575, the Bill for resti-
tution in blood to John, Lord Stourton, had been signed
by Queen Elizabeth.
This unfortunate baron, by his wife Ann, daughter of
Edward, earl of Derby (who afterwards became the wife of
Sir John Arundell, of Lanherne, Knight), left three sons :
first, John ; second, Edward ; and, third, Charles. The two
first successively succeeded to the restored peerage. Also
three daughters : first, Mary, married to that illustrious
confessor. Sir Francis Tregian, mentioned in page 2 and 9^
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. VO
and of whom more in the Appendix ; second^ Ann, wife of
Edward Rogers ; and, third, Catherine, married to Richard
Shireburn, of Stonyhurst, Esq.
John, the eighth Lord Siourton, married Frances, daughter
of Lord Cobham ; but had no issue. Camden tells us, that he
was one of the commissioners to try Mary, Queen of Scots.
Though a Catholic in mind, yet he outwardly conformed to
the state religion (Morels Hist. S. J., p. 171). Still he
meditated to die a Catholic, though he wanted the moral
courage to live one. With this view, he retained two priests
in his establisment, one of whom was always to be at hand
to administer the helps of religion, in case his lordship should
be* surprised by illness. By a secret judgment of Heaven,
he was attacked by sudden danger on 13th October, 1588,
in the absence of both chaplains, and when it was impossible
to procure another priest. In this emergency, he had barely
time to ackuowledge his guilty dissimulation and presump-
tion, with every appearance of unfeigned repentance, in the
presence of his wife and house-steward. The tradition of
his appearance after death to F. Cornelius at the altar was
in every one^s mouth, and was firmly believed by the
Stourton and Arundell families, when F. More published his
History in 1660, ** Res omnium sermone celebrata est, atque
in hunc usque diem ab utriusque familise et Stourtoniorum
et Arunddiorum hseredibus certissim^ traditur.^' It is
related by Miss Dorothy Arundell, who was present, and
who gives a particular account of the vision in her MS. Life
of F. Cornelius. That father's friend, the Rev. F. William
Weston, in his Latin Auto-Biography, p. 46, states that the
apparition took place in London, in the house of Sir John
AnindelL And Bishop Challoner, in his Memoirs of the
Missionary Priests, alludes to it. — (Article Cornelius.)
Edward, the ninth Lord Stourton, was younger brother to
the preceding peer, and had married Frances Tresham. For
non-attendance in the House of Lords on the 5th day of
November, 1605, he was arbitrarily fined and committed
to the Tower of London ; but in the autumn of the following
year he was removed to the Fleet Prison, which measure, as
I find by a letter of that period, was considered as prepara-
tory to his final enlargement. Periiaps this severity of
punishment may have terrified him into outward conformity
to the religion established by law ; for in the Latin protesta-
tion of the Catholic peers against the assumption of ordinary
jurisdiction, claimed by Dr. Richard Smith, Y.A. in England,
and Bishop of Chalcedon, his name does not appear. The
96 ACCOUNT OP CATHOLIC
names of the Catholic peers will be interesting to the reader,
who reflects that this document is signed at the commence-
ment of Charles I/s reign ; viz. —
John Talbot, earl of Shrewsbury.
Henrjr Somerset, earl of Worcester.
Thomas Darcy, Earl Rivers.
James Touchet, earl of Castlehaven, Baron Audley.
William Howard, Lord Naworth, son of the duke of
Norfolk.
Thomas Somerset, Viscount Cashell.
Edward Somerset, Baron Herbert.
Henry Nevill, Baron Abergavenny.
Thomas Windsor, Baron Bradenham.
William Petre, baron of Writtle.
Thomas Brudenel, baron of Stanton.
George Calvert, Baron Baltimore.
The above subscribed the Protestation ; the five following
agreed to the Protestation without signing it : —
Richard Burke, Earl St. Alban's.
Thomas Savage, Viscount Rocksavage.
Ulysses Burke, Baron Tunbridge.
Henry Parker, Baron Morley and Monteagle.
Edward Vaux, Baron Harrowden.
The two following admit "praxim fori extemi episcopi
impossibilem esse.'* This applies principally to the probate
of wills in his court : —
( John Paulett, marquis of Winchester.
( Thomas Arundell, baron of Wardour.
William Pure, baron of Whitton, was absent.
Francis Brown, Viscount Montague.
Henry Constable, Viscount Dunbar.
Henry Stafford, Baron Stafford, ) -w-.
Christopher Roper, Baron Teynham, J
It was said that Viscount Dunbar favoured the bishop's
pretensions.
"Viscount Fairfax's son, who had become a Catholic,
subscribed, with above 300 Catholic knights, esquires, and
gentry; but without the name of a stuff le priest/' To this
document is added : — " It is not ascertained whether this
Edward, Lord Stourton, be a Catholic or not ; at least, it is
not publicly known. JBut his eldest son, who must soon
succeed him (for he is nearly eighty years of age), has
subscribed to this Protestation.^'
The noble lord died, fiill of days, at Clerkenwell, London,
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 97
on 7th May, 1633. WiUiam, his eldest son, sticceeded as
tenth Lord Stourton, He had been created Knight of the
Bath in 1616. On 9th February, 1625-6, he foolishly
fought a duel in a chamber with Lord Henry Paulett, fourth
son of William, fourth marquis of Winchester. In a letter
written on the following day by Sir Nathaniel Bacon
(" Cornwallis' Correspondence," p. 142), I find that Lord
Henry was run through the body, that Stourton was hurt in
three places, and was then under arrest.
During the civil wars, as we collect from Ludlow's '' Me-
moirs," vol. i. p. 122, his lordship's mansion of Stourton was
taken by Edmund Ludlow. His lordship married Frances,
daughter of Sir Edward Moor, of Odyham, Hants, Knight,
she died 5th January, 1662, and was buried at Dorking,
Surrey. Her noble husband survived her ten years, dying
25th April, 1672, at a very advanced age.
William, grandson of William, the tenth Lord Stourton,
took his seat in the Upper House about a month before the
passing of the Test Act. This iniquitous Bill was passed on
29th March, 1673. His marriage-settlement with Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir John Preston, of Furuess, Baronet (by his
wife, Elizabeth Holland, of Denton, co. Lancashire), by whom
he had a numerous family, bears date 20th August, 1664.
His lordship died on 8th August, 1685. Her ladyship
foUowed him to the grave three years later.*
Edward was the twelfth Baron Stourton. He was baptized
24th June, 1665. By him were sold most of his estates in
Wilts and Dorset. In 1703, Dr. Wake, dean of Exeter,
purchased Ower Moigne and Oalton. About the same time
Little Marston and Frome Selwood were disposed of to
Sir Edward Seymour, Baronet. In 1704, Stourton, in Wilts,
and Stourton Candle, in Dorset, were conveyed to Sir
Thomas Meers, Knight, as trustee for Henry Hoare, Esq.,
goldsmith and banker in London, the third son of Sir Richard
Hoare, Knight. In justice, however, to his lordship^s
memory, it must be declared that he had succeeded but
nominally to the family property; for the interest of the
incumbrances on it nearly amounted to its yearly rental.
By his lady, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Buckingham,
* Her brother Thomas, on the death of the elder brother, Sir John
Preston, succeeded to the estates and titles, and married twice. He was
clever, but eccentric. Losing his only son, Francis, on 18th December,
1672, and his second wife Mary, (Molyneux),on 6th June following, he
determined on becoming a Jesuit, but would never take orders. He
died a lav-brother, S.J., 27th May, 1709, et. sixty-six. I have seen an
original letter from his superior, stating, ** Per intervalla non satis sui
compos est."
H
98 ACCOUNT OF CATHOLIC
Esq.| he left no issue. Retiring to France, he died there in
September, 1720, »t. fifty. five.
Thomas, the younger brother of the preceding Lord, was
baptized 14th June, 1667. By his wife Elizabeth, daughter of
John Stourton, of Ower Moigne, Esq., he left no issue. He
was buried at Stourton, 1st April, 1744, aet. seventy-seven.
His widow survived him five years, and was buried near hira,
19th June, 1749.
The fourteenth peer was Charles, nephew to the two last
barons, being eldest son of Charles, their brother, who had
married, in November, 1699, Catherine, daughter of Richard
Frampton, of Moreton and Biddlecombe, Esq. This young
gentleman had married Catherine,* the relict of Robert,
the seventh Lord Petre (the baron in the Rape of the
Lock), who had been prematurely carried o£P, 21st March,
1713, by small-pox. This union, which took place in 1733,
brought an accession of fortune to the Stourton family ; but
her ladyship survived this second husband also, who died,
s, p.y 11th March, 1744, at East Cheam Manor- House,
Surrey. Against the west wall of St. Dunstan^s church
there, she raised a monument to his memory.
The fifteenth peer was William, brother to the preceding,
who had died without issue. He was born 17th August,
1704, and was fortunate in his alliance, 22nd October, 1749,
with Winefrid, daughter of the Honourable Philip Howard,
of Buckenham, Norfolk, the brother of Edward, ninth
duke of Norfolk. Her ladyship died 15th July, 1753, set,
twenty-six,t and was buried at Stourton. Her noble lord
lived a retired life at Witham, Essex, where he made a pious
end, 3rd October, and was buried there on the 9th of the
same month, 1781.
Charles Philip, the only son of the late lord, succeeded to
his honours and titles. His marriage with Mary, second
daughter and co-heiress of Marmaduke, Lord Langdale,
proved, indeed, a blessing to him, and to their progeny. In
1785, his lordship aliened his last remaining property in
Wilts, the manor or tithing of Bonham, to Henry Hoare, of
Stourhead, Esq. ; but the Catholic chapel and priest's i^esi-
* This only child of Bartholomew — others call him Thomas — ^Wal-
mesley, of Dunkenhalgh, co. Lancashire, Esq., was a great heiress on the
death of her father in 1701. Her posthumous son, Robert James, eighth
Lord Petre, and his family came in for a large share of her possessions.
This lad^, of most charitable memory, died 3ist January, 1785, »t.
eighty-eight.
t Her other sister and co-heiress Ann was the first wife of Robert
Edward, the ninth Lord Petre. Slie survived till 15th January, 1787,
aet. fortv-five.
FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE. 99
dence were reserved from the sale. By intei*dicting himself
from gaming, the fashionable amusement of the great, in
his early life, and by strict attention to his family concerns,
he was enabled to purchase the noble estate of Thornville
Royal, or AUerton-park, near Knaresborough, co. York, in
1805. There this good man ended his mortal course on
29th April, 1816, set. sixty-four.
Wiltiam, the seventeenth Lord Stourton, bom 6th June,
1776, and eldest son of the above, married, 5th October,
1800, Catharine, daughter of Thomas Weld, of Lullworth
Castle, Dorset, Esq. They must ever live in the grateful
recollection of their numerous family for the hereditary
example of piety, and of good management and attention to
domestic economy. Each of their offspring might look up to
them, and say with Tobias, " Filii sumus sanctorum, et vitam
illam expectamus, quam Deus daturus est his, qui fidem
suam nunquam mutant ab eo.^' — Cap. xi. 18. After doing
honour to the peerage for full thirty years, and in very
critical and eventful times, he closed his meritorious life at
Allerton, on 4th December, 1846, and was buried on the 12th.
Charles, his eldest son, bom 13th July, 1802, is the
present peer. To the joy of both families, he selected
fSr his partner Mary Lucy Clifford, seventh daughter of
Charles Lord Clifford; this happy marriage took place
on 1st August, 1825, at her noble father's house. No. 8,
Mansfield-street, London. For a time they lived at Holme
Hall, and God was pleased to give them six boys ; but after
a short period He, in His inscrutable wisdom, thought fit
to bereave them of the two eldest pledges of their love.
How they submitted to this sacrifice, may be inferred from a
letter written by his grandfather to a reverend friend, dated
from Allerton, 30th March, 1838 :—
" We have been latelv visited by severe trials — ^for I ought not to call
them aJlieUon^ — ^in the loss of my two eldest grandchildren,— one a boy
of eleven and the other of ten years old. The eldest, William, was
deposited this dav in our family vault. Their pure lives and their truly
edifying ends — William's at Biddlestone, and Henry's at Stonyhurst —
showed so much reliffion and the benefits of a most pious education so
powerfully, that we have cause to thank God for having removed them
m their innocence and virtue, rather than to lament their loss.
** Mrs. Stourton bears her trials with the most holy Christian forti-
tude and resignation."
This noble lord commenced his noble mansion of Stourton,
near Ejiaresborough, in 1851, after the designs of George
Martin, of London, Esq.
In page 93 I have mentioned the name of Robert Dyrdoo.
In the confession of the Rev. John Brushford, extracted from'
H 2
100 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN WILTSHIRE.
the Lansdowne MSS., and published in Mr. Tiemey's edition
of Dodd's " History/* vol. iii. p. IS7, detailing the precarious
and wandering life of a missionary, one of the Dyrdoe family
is mentioned about the year 1594.
" I was once at Clerkenwell, at Sir John Arundell's ; but for that he
was then in trouble in the Star-chamber about one Mr. Higgins, a
priest, I could not be received ; but I was with him afterwards in the
gate-house. After this I lived secretly in a village on the plains of
Salisbury, not far from Amesbury, with one Mr. Durdoe and his wife,
in the house of one £dward Wyse, unto which house resorted also one
Mr. John Grove. The goodman of the house and his wife were Pro-
testants, and did harbour us for no other thing but his^ain, not knowing
what I was, I think. We remained in this place about six months ;
and after that, some suspicion growing of the place, I went with the
said Mr. Durdoe and his wife into Wales. I was, I remember, once
entreated to have ridden into Cornwall ; but I durst not, for that I was
well known by the way.*'
In a letter of a rev. priest, probably addressed to the
Rev. T. More, agent of the archpriest, written from prison in
December, 1611, and printed in Mr. Tierney's Dodd, vol. v.
Appendix IV., he relates that the number of Catholics was
much diminished, especially in these western parts of the
kingdom, — " praesertim in partibus regni occidentalibus ; "
that the remaining handful has been so ground down by
persecution, and impoverished by fines, — as Mr. Stourton,
Mr. Adon,* and several others in Dorsetshire, — as to be under
the necessity of selling the greater part of their patrimonial
property. This has been the case with Mr. Keins, Mr. Cowel,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Bifleet, Mr. Mansfield, and others in Somer-
setshire ; and with Mr. Edward Stourton, Mr. Carew, and
Mr. Fathers, in Dorsetshire. That charity had, indeed,
grown cold ; for in Dorsetshire alone, where there had been
once eight residences for priests, now two can hardly be
found; and in Somersetshire, where there existed six or
seven residences for priests, scarcely one is left, — " modo vix
unica est relicta." The whole of his statement is entitled to
deep attention.
I must not forget to mention that the late John Bennet,
of Pyt House, Esq., was reconciled to the Church on 15th
December, 1834, and left by his wife, a daughter of
Sir Henry Joseph Tichborne, an only son, John Edward,
who died at Nice, 29th April, 1856, set. 16.
* Q,y. Acton.
101
CHAPTER XI.
THE SUFFBBBRB FOR THB FAITH IN GLOUCBSTERSHIRB.
Before the Reformation^ this county was richer in reli-
gious foundations than any of the other five shires that I
have attempted to elucidate. It could boast of its four
mitred abbeys; viz., Cirencester, St. Peter's at Gloucester^
Tewkesbury, and Winchcombe; it abounded in priories^
cells, and hospitals. And perhaps the jealous avarice of the
harpies of the court, and of the new and upstart possessors
of the suppressed monasteries, served to sharpen the sword
of persecution ; certainly malicious cruelty against Catholics
was surpassed in no other county.
The first that was called to shed his blood was the Rev.
John Sands, or Sandys. Ordained priest at Rheims, he
came on the English mission in 1584. Labouring diligently
in the work of the ministry, he was apprehended, and was
soon condemned to the death of a traitor, for his priestly
character, Paul Tracye, of Stanwey, then Sheriff of the
county, assisted at his barbarous execution in Gloucester
on 2nd August, 1586. A contemporary MS. : — ^
'^When they had condemned him, they could find none for any
money to murther him : they could hyre noe knife or other instrument
in all the town to mangle him. At last they found a most base com-p
£ anion, who yet was ashamed to be seen m that bloudy action ; for
e blacked and disfigured his face, and gott an old rusty knife full of
teeth like a sickle. With that he killed him. The holy martyr
requested the high sheriff (who was Paule Trasye, of Stanwaye) to
suffer him to hang until he dyed. He then granted the request, vet
caused him to be cutt downe as soon as he was cast off the ladder.
The holy man was nothing past himself, but sayd, < O, Mr. Sheriff,
von have not kept your promise ; ' unto which Mr. Tracye replied not,
but commanded nis men to pull downe the traytor and the hangman to
bowell him, and himself layd first hands on him. The hangman did
his bloudy office ; and when he had pulled out his bowells, the blessed
saint cryed ever with St. Stephen, * Ltord, forgive my persecutors/ and
Boe fell asleep in our Lord."
2. Stephen Rousham came to the mission in 1582, but
shortly after fell into the hands of the enemies of Catholic
faith^ and after enduring eighteen months and thirteen days
* The MS. was in the Archivium of the English College at Rome
in 1690.
102 THE SUFFEBEB3 FOR THE
of horrible torment in the " Little-ease " dungeon within the
Tower of London^ was sent into banishment in 1585. His
zeal for souls brought him back into the English vineyard ;
but it was not long before he was taken in the house of a
widow lady caUed Strange^ and safely lodged in Gloucester
jail. F. William Warford, who wrote in 1597 his relation of
the martyrs whom he had known since 1578^ gives the
following report of this missionary priest : —
" I knew him at Oxford, about the year I5789 when he was minister
of St. Mary's parish. Shortly after he proceeded to Rheims ; and,
as he appeared to be rather of a timid character, on seeing himself
safely landed on the shore of France, he returned thanks to God on
his bended knees for his merciful escape, and offered himself unre-
servedly to His Divine Majesty. On his return to England he was
arrested, for he was remarkable for his neck being rather awry, and
one shoulder bein^ higher than the other. The following wonderful
event is related of him : Whilst celebrating Mass in St. Stephen's church
at Rheims, it happened, that when the chalice was uncovered at the con-
secration, and he was in the act of kneeling down to adore the Sacred
Blood, a large spider from the roof dropt into it At first he was per-
plexed what to do ; but raising his heart to Grod in prayer, and com-
mending himself to Christ's mercy, he boldly swallowed the whole
without suffering any inconvenience. He had a handsome and manly
face, his voice was clear and pleasing, his beard was of a chestnut
colour, and he was truly a man of God."
In another MS. of divers persecutions in the year 1588,
written, by a nameless author, about the end of 1594, and
formerly kept in the English College at Rome, is the following
interesting narrative, which escaped the research of Bishop
Challoner :—
^ After the judge had condemned this priest and friend of God
Stephen Rowsam, he was returned to his prison ; but by the way a
graceless company of apprentices and youths of Gloucester were gotten
to one of the dnnghills, nrom which they pelted the holy confessor most
spytefullv, and aO berayed his face and clothes. The morning he was
martyred he offered the divine sacrifice of Masse, and there were with him
at it Mr. Thompson " (there called Groves, Queiy if the same mentioned
page 100?^ ** and many more Catholics. When Masse was almost ended,
the sheriff's officers called at the prison dore to have the holv man to
his martyrdome : thev were told ne was not as yet ready, and intreated
to have patience a little, unto which they yielded. After Masse he said
his evenmg, blessed, kissed, and embraced every one present. He went
down cheofuUy to the hurdle, all his company much lamenting his de-
parture from them. Before he came to the hurdle, one of underkeepers
sayd thus to him : * O, Mr. Rousarae, if 1 were in the like danger as
yon are, and might avoyde it as easily as you may by going to church,
surely I would soone yield to that.'^ The good father answered : * I
pray thee be contented, good frend, within this house. I shall conquer
the world, the flesh, and the dyvell. He was so layed on the hurdle
that one of his leggs dragled on the grownde as he was drawne, and
being admonished by a schismatick woman to draw up his legg to him,
FAITH IN GLOUCKSTEASiilRE. 103
he saiJ» ' No» all is* too little for Christ's sake.' He was hanged until
he was dead — but soe was not Mr. Sands, that dyed there before him —
but most bloudily and beastly used, so that the common sorte of people
cryed out upon the officers : and some preachers said that Mr. Rowsam
should not be so handled. He reconciled to the Church some who
suffered with him. And because by occasion I have mentioned Mr.
Thompson, I will here set down what little I remember of him. He
was a gentleman of fair lyving in Oxfordshire (the native county of the
martyr), not far from Burforde, a widower, and a father to many young
children, yet he lyved Catholickly at his own house, and ever kept one
Sriest at least, besides entertainment he gave to strangers. In the ende,
eat of persecution drove him into the Forest of Deane, in the county of
Glocester, where he lyved some years in that vast wildernesse in a poor
house he by red, under the name of Mr. Groves, with his nriest as
before. At last he was found out by pursuivants Robert Aunlde and
others, and committed to Gloucester Castle, where he endured many
outrages of the officers in that country. He was many times searched
and s|>oyled of all that he had ; but yet he endured and brouj^ht up
his cliildren as he might ; albeit a certain lawyer of Oxfordshire was
by favour of wicked lawes crept into his estate, and affi^rded him very
small relief thence. At last he died prisoner there in Gloucester.''
Thomas Alfield, a native of Gloucestershire^ was ordained
priest at Bheims^ in 1581 ; the following year witnessed him
a prisoner of the faith. His condemnation took place on
5 th July, 1585 ; and the next day from Tyburn I trust he
was translated into heaven.
TTwmas Holfordj alias Acton, alias Bird, a native of
Hereford was executed at Clerkenwell. The Sook of Col-
lectanea in the English College at Borne, marked E,
recorded, that "in 1587 Mr. Ilolford was apprehended in
Gloucestershire, and was arraigned, and condemned, and
executed for coming into the realm. The man that caused
the priest^s apprehension, came to the prison after bis con-
demnation, and on his knees, with tears, asked his forgiveness.
He contrived to say Mass even till the day of his execution.
So inhuman was his butchery, that the preachers exclaimed
in their sermons against it/'
Of William Lampley, the layman, good Bishop Challoner
had not discovered the ensuing details. " He was a glover
by trade : for persuading some of his kinsmen to the Catholic
religion, one only witness appeared against him ; but who
was over head and ears in debt, and had basely got his own
wife committed to jail for following the dictates of her
conscience. Judge Manwood, who tried Mr. Lampley, and
passed sentence, offered him openly, that if he would but
say that he would go to church, he should have his pardon.
Nay, the judge, unwilling that the sentence of death should
be carried into effect, appointed his friends, and kindred, and
of&cei*s, and preachers, to persuade him to promise that ; but
104 TUB SUPFERISRS POB THE
all in vain. When he was ready to go to execution^ they
caused the passing bell to be tolled for him^ thinking that
the terror thereof would make him to acquiesce. Again and
again^ at the place of execution, they made him the same
offer ; but all in vain. With fervent constancy he yielded
himself most willingly to his tormentors, and therefore they
ended him as butcherly and bloodily as ever they did any/'
He suffered at Gloucester in the course of the year 1588.
John Pybush, a native of Yorkshire, ordained at Rheims
in 1587, reached the mission two years later; in July, 1593,
he was apprehended at Morton Henmarsh, co. Gloucester,
and was conducted before the Lord Giles Chandos, now dead,
says my author. " His lordship often offered him the oath
of the Queen's supremacy ; then sent him up to the Privy
Council, when the Lord Treasurer, understanding him to be
a seminary priest, bade him show his crown. The holy
confessor bowed down his head, and told him, he had none,
and that his lordship could easily guess at the reason. ' Oh,'
said my lord, * you think yourselves wiser than all the
world. Will you stand to the law?' 'I must whether I
will or no,' said the priest. 'Then have him,' quoth my
Lord Treasurer to Topcliffe, the noted persecutor, showing
all this while great anger. Topcliffe put him close prisoner
in the Gatehouse at Westminster, and never returned to
him till the year's end ; and then he examined him, what
preparation of wars he knew when he came into England ;
and so sent him to Gloucester jail, there to be tried, where
he was taken. The last summer assize, which was 1594, the
holy priest was arraigned for high treason, who, before he
would answer. Guilty, or Not guilty, asked the judge, who
was Mr. Clench, whether the treason they laid to his charge
was anything else but his priesthood, and the exercise of
his priestly office. The judge answered they had nought
else to lay against him. Then the holy man replied, * If to
be a priest be to be a traitor, then am I one. I thank God
for it.' But the judge never gave sentence of death on
him ; but returned him to prison, where he yet remaineth,
joyfully and resolutely expecting martyrdom the next assize,
which will be ere Easter, 1595, and daily he provideth for
that high honour."
Bishop Challoner relates that he escaped from Gloucester
jail with some other prisoners, but was recaptured the next
day. He was then remanded to the King's Bench, London,
where several years' confinement entirely ruined his health.
On 17th February, 1601, Lord Chief Justice Popham sum-
moned him to tiie bar, and pronounced sentence of death
PAITH IN GLOXTCESTSBSHIRE. 105
upon him. The next day he was drawn to St. Thomas'
Watering, and there suffered his cruel butchery with the
constancy of a martyr.
In a '' Behttion of the present State of England/' printed
at Borne, in 1590, a 4to. in sixteen pages, of which a copy
once existed in the library of the professed house there,
it is stated that Roger Wakeman, a priest of Douay Col-
lege, and sent to the mission in 1576, had died in Newgate
prison, on the 16th or 17th, November, 1582, after two
years' confinement.*
I am not aware that any others connected with Glou*
cestershire, suffered death, or died in chains, for their
holy profession. But every missionary in those days of
persecution could say with St. Paul, ''Quotidie morior'*
(1 Cor. XV. 31). Lewis Barlow, a native of Gloucestershire,
and the first missionary in England, for he came over from
Douay in 1574, was twice made a prisoner, and twice con-
demned to perpetual banishment ; but rejoicing to suffer for
the name of Jesus, he returned to the vineyard. God
accepted his good-will; for he died in his bed in 1610, full
of days and merits.
During the sanguinary farce and tragedy of Oates's plot,t
Sir George Wakeman, Baronet,J who had been physician to
the queen of Charles II., was arraigned and tried at the Old
Bailey for conspiring the death of the King, His innocence
was so transparent, that even a jury, influenced by party
prejudice, passion, the epidemic terror of an imaginary
danger, and the bigoted invectives of Lord Chief Justice
Scroggs, could not refuse the verdict of " Not guilty .*' I
cannot deny myself the pleasure of inserting an extract of
his speech before the Lord Chancellor and Council on 30th
September, 1678, and which he repeated at his public trial,
as reported, p. 60 : —
** My lord, I come of a loyal family. My father hath suffered very
much, to the value of £18,000 and more, for the royal family. My
brother raised a troop of horse for the king, and served him from the
beginning of the war to the end. He was major to the marquis
of Worcester at Worcester fight, and lost his life by the wounds he
* Roger Wakeman Priest, sent from Douay in 1576, died in New-
gate 1584 : '' Psedore carceris extinctus." — See Dr. Bridgewater*s Con-
certatio, fol. 412.
t See Appendix No. V,
J In Guillira's Display of Heraldry, sixth edit., 1724, p. 202, 1 read
he was created the OODth baronet 15th February, 16C0, 0.S. The patent,
though engrossed, was never sealed. In his indictment he is styled
baronet.
106 THE SUFPEEERS FOR THE
received in the king's service. As for my own part, I travelled very
young, and came over when Ireton was lord mayor, and both by my
religion and name was suspected to be a favourer of the royal party ;
and therefore was imprisoned, and did not come out till I had given
great security ; and the second time I was committed was when I did
enter a plot — ^the only plot I was guilty of. I conspired with Captain
Lucy and several others to attempt something for hte maieat^^s restoror-
tion, when few durst appear for him. I was seized on in my bed ; there
were several arms found in my apothecary's cellar, and we were both
committ^ to prison, and we should both have suffered death certainly
if his majesty s happy restoration had not prevented it. And now, my
lord, I am under the most foul and false accusation that ever innocent
gentleman was, and I expect reparation. There was not a family in
England that was so mucn instrumental in his majesty's restoration as
our family and connexions. Colonel Gifford was my near kinsman ;
so was Colonel Carlos ; and the Pendrells were menial servants to the
family : and I hope tk^ deserve some favour."
No doubt the Council were amazed at his manly boldness,
for he spoke as one —
" Who kept a court of honour in his breast ; '*
but their conduct on this occasion reminds one of Dido
expiring in the agonies of suicide (JEneid, lib. iv.) : —
*' Oculis errantibus alto
Quesivit coelo lumen, ingemuitque reperta"
What opinion can we form of the moral principle of our
governors, statesmjBU, and senators during this epoch of
national delirium, who, knowing well the utter falsehood of
the plot, instead of setting their faces to the popular delu*
delusion, ^*civium ardor prava jubentium," actually lent
themselves to the cruel sport of worrying the lives of inno«
cent and loyal subjects. King Charles II., from the very
beginning, " was confirmed in the belief of its being all a
fiction, never believinff one tittle of itJ* — See Clarke's Life of
King James II., from the Stuart Papers, vol. i. And
Francis North, Lord Guildford, whilst Lord Chief Justice of
the Common Pleas, '^ whilst he was in secret drawing up a
refutation of the whole romance of the Popish plot, declared
in pitblic that the tnUh of the story was as plain as the sun in
heaven, and was not ashamed to browbeat from the seat of
judgment the unfortunate Roman Catholics, who were
arraigned before him for their lives.'* — See Macaulay's
" History of England," vol. i. p. 274.*
* To inflame the popular odium against us, medals were struck of a
Jesuit murdering Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, whilst the Pope, in his
tiara and cross, was standing by and applauding. — See Mudie s English
Coins and Medals, &c. A print was issued, " The solemn monk pro-
cession of the Pope, Cardinals, Jesuits, ^c, exactly taken as they
FAITH IN GLOUCESTEaSHIRE. 107
" Even the House of Commons would sit on the Sunday,
November 10th, 1678, to inquire into this Popish plot,'* as
Mr. Hatsell informs us in vol. iii. of " Precedents," p. 59.
This profound lawyer in the preceding volume, p. 159, gives
it as his opinion that " it can be no longer matter of doubt,
that the witnesses, particularly Oates and Bedloe, were most
notoriously perjured, and that the stories told by these two
men, and several others of the witnesses, were gross and pal-
pable forgeries." So convinced of this was Mr. Elliott, M.P.
that in his powerful speech delivered in the House of Commons
on the Catholic Petition in 1812, he hesitated not to affirm,
" K any man in these days was to venture to declare himself
a believer in that Popish plot, he would be laughed at as a
visionary, or a bigot."
Oh, that all who are appointed to rule their fellow-men
would carefuDy study, and inwardly digest, the sixth chapter
of the Book of Wisdom !
marched through the citpr of London the 17th of November, 1679." O
miseri, ane tanta insania, cives ! — N.B. The pensioned Oates, ** inve-
terattts oierum malorum," died 2drd July, 1705.
108 REVIEW OF THE MISSIONS
CHAPTER XII.
REVIEW OF THE MISSIONS IS OLOUCBSTERSHIRB.
1. The first in importance is unquestionably Bristol.
From the so-called Reformation until the accession of
George 11.^ in no commercial city of the British empire was
Catholic faith and practice more discouraged and depressed
than in Bristol. Monsieur Jorevin, as quoted by Mr. Evans
in his History of Bristol, vol. ii. p. 306, assures us, that
towards the end of King Charles II.'s reign, '' no one can
hear Mass at Bristol, though it is a port frequented by many
Catholics, — Flemish, and French, and Spaniards, and Portu-
guese.*' That a priest did venture to exercise his functions
here, after King James II. had mounted the throne, is
evidenced by the Auto-Biography of Sir John Bramston,
recently published by the Camden Society (1846) : —
^ On Sunday last, April 25, 1686, at Bristol, information being given.
to the mayor that Mass was sayinse in a house in that citie, he took
with him the sheriifB and some aldennen, and went and apprehended
the preist and the conventicle, and committed the preist and some of
the company to the gaole, and sent to the bishope, Sir Jonathan Tre-
lawney, notice of it. His lordship carried the letter to the king." —
P. 226.
And in p. 229 we read : —
" The priest that was committed by the mayor of Bristoll was brought
to the kind's barr 10th May ; but owing to the absence of the Lord
Chief Justice, Sir Edward Herbert, and of his council, Mr. Brent^ he
was remanded to to the King's Bench prison.*'
Mr. Coppinger, a well-qualified teacher, attempted to open
a school at Kingsdown, near Clifton ; at first his prospects
were favourable, but when it was discovered that he was a
Papist, every hope of success vanished, and he was com-
pelled to decamp. This occurred about a century ago.
By a letter received from the Rev. Patrick O'Ferrall, dated
Bristol, September 19th, 1854, I learn that about 1743
a Bristolian firm {Query Champion's, see Evans's History,
vol. ii. p. 226,), anxious to introduce spelter or zinc- working
from Flanders, could not induce any of the Flemish workmen
to come over unless the free exercises of their religion were
IN GLOUCESTEBSHIRE. 109
secured to them ; ^^ and so, in the combat, Bristol cupidity
overcame Bristol stupidity, and the men were allowed to
practise their religion without molestation/'
That the Jesuits were the first to create and serve the
Bristol mission, is a fact that I believe no reasonable man
can doubt. But the first name that I have met with, is
F. John Ijallart, who was there soon after the accession of
King George II. ; but retired to Boulogne, where he died
25th September, 1743, set. fifty-one. He was succeeded by
F. John Scudamore (of the ancient family of Scudamore,
CO. Hereford, whose father resided at Pembridge Castle, as
his great-nephew, Mr. Jones, of Tolcame, informed me).
Mr. Scudamore resided at Bristol about forty years, was
much beloved by his little flock for his zeal and piety ; and
Mr. Jones aforesaid, who resided with him for a time, stated
to me " that his manner of living was very plain and mode«
rate.'' His first place of worship was the upper room of a
house at Hook's Mills, behind the smaU church, near the
Orphan Asylum on Ashley Down. He after a time
removed the chapel to St. James's Back, where a lady,
Mrs. Player, now in her eighty-ninth year, remembers saying
her catechism. The death of this venerable pastor occurred
at Bristol on 8th April, 1778, aged eighty-two; and the late
Bev. James Parker, S.J., who assisted at his funeral, pointed
out to me the spot, opposite the porch of St. James's church,
where his honoured remains were deposited.
F. John Fontaine, who had arrived in 1777, in attendance
on F. Scudamore, was the first to commence a register. He
quitted after the riots of 1780, when he was replaced by
F. Thomas Brewer. In his time, the want of better accom-
modation for public worship than the miserable room in
St. James's Back afibrded was seriously felt; and it was
resolved to erect a new one. I copy the following extract
from an original letter addressed by the said Bev. James
Parker, to the Rev. Joseph Dunn, on 12th April, 1822 : —
''The first ii£300, towards purchasing premises, was collected
by me, in company with the Rev. Thomas Brewer, then
resident missionary of Bristol, in the streets of London.
The Rev. Charles Neville, S.J., gave £300 also, for house and
chapel j the Rev. James Adams, S.J., contributed to the
same JE200. Many collections were received by the Rev.
Robert Plowden (the successor of F. Brewer), from his
relations and friends." In a previous letter, the same
F.Parker, on 17th January, 1822, calls the Jesuits "the
proprietors of that mission."
F. Thomas Brewer died on 18th April, 1787, and in
110 REVIEW OF THE MISSIONS
October^ the same year^ was succeeded by the Rev. Robert
Plowden.
The premises selected for the new Missionary establish-
ment were purchased of Mr. Robert Bay ley and Mr. Trotman.
The con§p"egation could contribute but little^ and even that
little^ collected by a committee^ was unadvisedly placed by
its members in the hands of one Fitz-Henry^ an Irish mer-
chant^ and was irrecoverably lost by his bankruptcy. Bishop
Walmesley^ and his coadjutor Bishop Sharrock^ charmed
with the active and disinterested zeal of these ex-Jesuits^
engaged^ on 16th September^ 1789, to admit a member of
the Academy at Liege as an incumbent of the chapel to be
erected, provided the person presented to them, or their
successors, should appear duly qualified to promote the
good of religion in general, and the welfare of the congre-
gation at Bristol. This compact was further subscribed
by their successor. Bishop Collingridge, on 20th March,
1812.
F. Robert Plowden had opened St. Joseph's chapel, in
Trenchard-street, on 27th June, 1790, he had provided a
convenient and roomy house for the incumbent ; nay, had
succeeded in purchasing premises at the west end of the
chapel to build his poor schools, at an expense of more than
£1,000. It would be folly to deny that he was a man of
indefatigable zeal and industry ; very exemplary, most self-
denying and disinterested, and deserving the character of
" father of the poor." During a residence of nearly thirty
years in Bristol, he conciliated the respect, esteem, and
fevour of the public ; but unfortunately he marred his use-
fulness by departing from that spirit of submission to
episcopal authority which is characteristic of the Society of
Jesus. In the first place, he refused to publish, on 5th
December, 1813, Bishop CoUingridge's Pastond Letter,
under pretence of his having discovered in it some erroneous
doctrine. Secondly, he attacked from the pulpit the same
bishop's Lenten Mandement, dated from Taunton, 1st Feb-
ruary, 1815. This wrong-headed course was visited with
the bishop's severest indignation. His lordship peremptorily
demanded his removal from Bristol insianier, though the
venerable man was now in his seventy-sixth year. His old
friend. Bishop Milner, however, graciously offered him an
asylum in the midland district, — placed him first at Swyn-
nerton, and subsequently at Wapenbury, where he rested
from all his mortal labours and trials on 17th June, 1823,
aged eighty-three.
Stonyhurst, since the emigration from Liege in 1794, had
IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Ill
become the representative and heir of the Academy above
mentioned. On F. Plowden's application for assistance in the
discharge of the increasing duties of the ministry at Bristol^ its
superior supplied two associates successively^ — firsts John
Power, alias Reeve, who arrived in July, 1811, and at the end
of sixteen months was transferred to Lullworth. The second
was the Rev. Joseph Tate, who had served the English
mission for nine years before, and was a much more efficient
person. He was appointed to Bristol in November, 1812,
and within three years succeeded to the sole pastoral charge,
void by the dismissal of the Rev. Robert Plowden. At length
the bishop assigned him an able assistant in the Rev. Henry
Riley, not connected with Stonyhurst, who joined him on
21st November, 1821. Late in the same year, some business
of a most delicate and complicated nature at Falmouth,
required the temporary visit and presence of a discreet
clergyman ; and his lordship could think of no one so com-
petent to accomplish it as Mr. Tate. I know that most
would have shirked the commission ; but he kindly under-
took it, and he executed it with so much tact and credit,
that Bishop Collingridge, in a letter which I saw, dated
Bristol, 20th March, 1822, awarded to him ''the just tribute
of my sincere thanks.'^ During Mr. Tate's absence on this
intricate affair, the Rev. John Williams, recently ordained
(25th November, 1821, at Ushaw), arrived at Bristol on
1st January, 1822, on his route to supersede L'Abbe
Orezille, alias Hoche, at Falmouth. He preached at Bristol,
and the bishop, who heard him, was so pleased with his
delivery, that he decided on keeping him at Bristol, in
conjunction with Mr. Riley, and detaining Mr. Tate at
Falmouth. A friend (Miss Lane) communicated the plan
to Mr. Tate, who instantly started homewards, before the
bishop's missive could be delivered by the post. His lord-
ship was disconcerted by this rapid movement, — ^he felt
himself out-generalled ; and on coming to an explanation,
Mr. Tate charged him with a clandestine attempt to supplant
him, and demanded an open investigation. His lordship
then offered him any other place in the diocese; but
announced, that he was so satisfied with the efficiency of the
zeal and abilities of those two young missionaries for Bristol,
that he must prohibit Mr. Tate from exercising any longer
parochial faculties there. It should be observed, however,
that Bishop Collingridge did apply to Stonyhurst for a
more suitable ^person for Bristol than Mr. Tate; and that
on receiving in reply, that they had no person more efficient
to replace him, Mr. Williams received his final appointment.
]12 REVIEW OF THE MISSIONS
As soon as Mr. Tate could realize the sale of his furnitorej
&C.J he bade adieu to the western district altogether.
After nearly a year and a half's valuable service, — viz..
May, 1823, — Mr. Williams was transferred to the easier
mission of Chepstow. Bishop Collingridge applied now to
Stony hurst, as F. Glover informed me in his letter, 23rd
June, 1823, but no assistant could be spared. An Irish
priest, the Rev. John Burke, succeeded Williams at Bristol
for a short period ; and in the spring of 1825, was replaced
by the Rev. Francis Edgeworth, O.S.F.
Bishop Collingridge died at Cannington on 3rd March,
1829. He had experienced some uneasiness of mind for
taking possession of the Jesuits' premises ; and he applied
again for one of their body to resume the pastoral office here.
The Rev. William Rowe, S.J., was at once deputed, and
arrived for the purpose on 7th August, 1828; and on the
29th of the same month and year, the worthy Mr. Riley
was transferred to Axminster; but Mr. Edgeworth was
continued at Trenchard-street chapel.
The Right Rev. Dr. Baines succeeded, on the death of
Dr. Collingridge, to the charge of the Western District.
It was known that as early as 1822, whilst incumbent of the
Bath mission, he had expressed himself as opposed to the
right of the Jesuits to their premises ; and he soon came to
a misunderstanding with F. Rowe, and insisted on his
removal before Christmas. The reverend gentleman quitted
on 23rd December, 1830, and on the next day the Rev.
Patrick O'Ferrall, O.S.P., was substituted. Unquestionably
these two religious distinguished themselves by their zeal
and talents; during the frightful riots in Bristol in the
beginning of November, 1831, they had most arduous duties
to perform; and Mr. Edgeworth so signalized himself, by
his humanity and heroism on that occasion, as to deserve a
civic crown. To meet the rapid increase of Catholicity, the
latter gentleman purchased a large spot of ground at Clifton
for the erection of a spacious church. The ground was first
broken 11th August, 1834, and on 4th October he laid its
foundation-stone, and great preparations of materials were
made. Within the area purchased, he erected a small chapel
in honour of St. Augustine, where Mass was first said
in 1842, and he removed thither from Trenchard-street on
9th November of that year. But the enterprise of the
contemplated church * was far too gigantic for his limited
• The ground was first purchased in the spring of 1831, but lay
unoccupied for more than three years, as Bishop Baines apprehended
it would interfere with his new establishment at Prior Park ; but at
IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 113
means. He became inyolved in such inextricable difficulties;
as to be gazetted a bankrupt; but he sought refuge on
the Continent from the importunities of his creditors^
and died suddenly at Antwerp^ 16th November^ 1850^ let.
fifty-one.
His early friend and confrere, F. O'Ferrall, had adopted a
much more judicious course. He contrived to purchase the
already well-built and graceful church of the Irvingites, now
. St. Mar/s-on^the-Quay^ at Bristol. It was solemnly dedi-
cated by Bishop Baines on 5th July, 1843, and the zealous
founder was properly installed its 6rst incumbent.
As for St. Joseph's^ .Trenchard-street, it continued to be
served by the secular clei^. The Rev. James Dawson suc-
ceeded Mr. Edgeworth, but for four months only. The
Eev. Thomas Booker followed him in the Lent of 1848. In
July, 1843, the Rev. William Cullinson took the place of
P. O'Ferrall, removed to St. Mary's; and the Rev. Edward
Metcalf was stationed here in 1844-5. On Septuagesima
Sunday, 1847, the Rev. William Joseph Vaughan was sent
thither, and remained till 6th November, 1^48, when he
passed to the church of the Twelve Apostles, at Clifton.
Dr. Baggs reached Prior Park, as successor to Bishop
Baines, on 30th May, 1844, and in July following divided
the original Bristol mission into three separate ones; viz.
Clifton, Trenchard-street, and St. Mary's. He had contem-
plated, ffxnn what he told me, the restoration of Trenchard-
street to its rightM owners ; but death snatched him away
16th October, 1845. His successor. Bishop XJUathorne,
hastened to do justice. He wrote to the provincial, F. B.
Lythgoe, that he desired the body should resume possession
of Trenchard-street House and Chapel, for Sunday, 31st
October, 1847 ; and F. George Bampton, S. J., received orders
last the foundation-stone was laid on 4th October, 1834. For several
years the edifice appeared as a pile of ruins. At length, in the autumn
of 1847« Biiihop Ullathome contracted for the purcluse of the site for
£2,/H)0, and took possession on 4th Xovember that year. Some pro-
gress was made in the works, when nine months later he was translated
to Birminffham. Bis successor, Bishop Hendren, directed the interior
of the edifice to be completed at once ; and thb Church of the Twelve
Apostles was solemnly opened on 21st September, 1848. On 8th April,
1860, a suitable house for the bishop and clergy of Uie church was com-
menced, and was so eneigetically pushed on by the architect, Mr. Charles
Hansom, and the pastor. Canon Vaughan, mat it was habitable by the
8th of October following.
And here we may be permitted to acknowledge the nreat obligations
which religion owes to J. Spencer Northcote. Esq., tor editing << The
Clifton Tracts," which wonderfully enUghtened the public mind, and
disarmed prejudice.
114 REVIEW OF VHB MISSIOKB
to pifooeed thither for the purpose, F. Thomas Spealman being
assigned for his assistant. The latter was replaced in March
following by F. Henry Mahon. On 6th December, 1849,
F. Bampton was called away to serve the new church in
Farm-street, London, when F. William Johnston was ap<-
pointed to the mission ; and on F. Mahon's departure, the
Rev. William Knight was sent to be the companion of his
apostolic labours.
The present state of religion in Bristol and its environs,
compared with what I remember it in 1807, forces me to lifk
up my heart in thanksgiving to Almighty Gk)d, for lavishing
the riches of salvation on immortal souls. F. Robert Plow-
den was then the sole incumbent of the city (and obliged to
visit Swansea even), though he derived occasional help finom
some visiting brother, but especially from two French abbes,
Le Villain and Montier, professors of the French language
in the highest drdes, and whose exemplary character mi^
have contributed not a little to soften down prejudice. Their
biography will be given in Part the Second.
Now, blessed be God, we behold a lai^ and respectable
congregation worshipping in the church of the Twelve
Apostles ; we possess the commanding church of St. Mary's-
on-the<rQuay, the fruit of the energetic zeal cf F. OTernJl,
who deserves much better support. We retain the original
ehurch of St. Joseph, that joyful mother of children, and
having frilly 2,000 commumcants attached. We have the
beautiful convent of the Dominicanesses of St. Catherine,
under the shade of the Twelve Apostles. Again, we have
seen the Augustinian Church of St. Nicholas rising to open
its gates for divine worship on 21st September, 1850, on the
Stapleton-road — the precious community of the Qood Shep«
herd at Amo (Notre Dame de Charit^, a filiation from the
mother house of Angers),''^ in full activity since 22nd July,
1851 — ^and their elder sisters, those tntelaiy angels of mercy,
in Dighton-street. It is delightful also to witness the pro«
portionate increase of poor schools, and the progress of their
improvement in useful and scientific information. Where I
remember but one priest, I can count nearly a dozen to meet
the demands of the faithful. The public services of the
Church are well and eflSciently performed, to say nothing of
Clifton possessing its bishop and chapter since 29th Septem-
ber, 1850.t Oh I let us all magnify the Lord, and exult in
* The Convent at Hammersmith, founded in 1841.
t I say nothing at present of the Visitation Convent at Westbury-
on-Trim, as I have to make my report of it in Chapter XIV. But
I may notice here their beautiful chapel, tlie foundation-stone of
IN GLOUCB8TEB8HIRE. llS
QoA the Savionr ; let every fibre of party spirit be extirpated
firom our breasts ; and let as ever act on the recommendation
of the Apostle — Heb. z. 24: '^Consideremns invioem in
provocationem charitatis et bonomm operum/'
Beckford, at the foot of the Bredon Hills^ is five miles
from Tewkesbury. The original name of the manor was
Beccanford^ where was an alien Augnstinian Priory^ attached
to Ste. Barbe-en-Auge, on the Dive. At the suppression of
alien houses^ King Henry VI. annexed it to his foundation of
Eton College. It was then valued at £58. 68. Sd. per annum*
King Edward IV. transferred the gift to Fotheringay Colle-
giate Church, shortly after the dusolution of which^ King
Edward VI., in 1547^ granted the manor to Sir Richard Lee,
Knight^ of whose family it was purchased by Richard Wake-
man, Esq., in 1586. This gentleman had acquired, seven
years before, possession of the Muythe, or Mythe.
In general, I believe, a chaplain was to be found attached
to this Catholic family, but few names have come to light.
An anonymous Benedictine was here in 1717. F. Isaac
Oibson, S. J., died here 10th November, 1788, set. sixty-four.
The Hon. and Rev. Robert Dormer, S.J., resided here for a
time. F. Placid Bennett, O.S.B., was certainly here in 1788.
L'Abbe Louvelle, the Rev. Thomas Kenyon, and the Rev. J.
Harrison, were the last incumbents. After the death of
William Wakeman, Esq., 1st January, 1886, the remnants of
this Catholic congregation were in the habit of repairing, at
the eight Plenary Indulgences, to Overbury, where Mrs.
Eyston had a small oratory fitted up in her mansion ; but
these driblets, with the handftil of Catholics in Tewkesbury
and the Mythe, are now amalgamated in the Kemertou
mission.
IL Norton. — ^The reader will not confound this manor with
the Horton in Pimpem Deanery, Dorset, which was consoli-
dated with Sherborne Abbey. Ours is in the deanery of
Hawkesbury, and annexed as a prebend to Salisbury Cathedral
nntil the'Reformation, when it was detached and secularized,
and granted to that Toracious Lord Protector, Edward Sey-
mour duke of Somerset. On his attainder in 1553, King
Edward YI. bestowed it on Clement Paston, of Norfolk, Esq.
Until the family mansion of Appleton, in that county, was
destroyed by fire in 1708, and John Paston, Esq.,^ came in
which was laid on 25th September, 1834, and which was opened on 8th
December, 1835. Every spectator must be gratified with the sight of its
graceful altar.
* Was he not nephew of Dr. Edward Paston, who died President of
Douay College 21 st July, 1714, eet. seventy-four ?
I 2
IIQ REVIEW OF THE MISSIONS
consequence to reside in the Court House at Horton^ I under-
stand no chaplain was maintained here. A few years after
the death of his son^ William Paston, Esq.^ on Ist January,
1769, the mission was discontinued, viz. at the retirement of
the Rev. Placid Waters, O.S.B., in 1777, and the estate sold.
From my kind friend, the Rev. B. M. Cooper, of the same
venerable order, I learn that from the year 1795 until 1815,
FF. Pembridge and Ainsworth attended the few remaining
Catholics at Horton during the eight Indulgences, from Bath,
a distance of fifteen miles ; and that F. Birdsall, in 1815, con*
tinned to perform the same charitable office from Cheltenham.
'* He said Mass at Horton in the upper chamber of a poor
cottage ; the room was ten feet long by nine, with scarcely
head-room between him and the thatch. I met him at that
cottage and served his Mass. A deal table was used for the
altar, and the wind blew through the broken panes of the
window ; about nine or ten persons assembled. In 1823 I
was appointed to the Bath mission and to this office. I suc-
ceeded in procuring a cheese-room in a farm-house the same
year; it was fifteen feet by twelve, where I attended eight
times a year from Bath.'' The same rev. gentleman, in
another letter, furnished me with the following particulars
about old Horton : — " There is an old man still living [1855]
who remembers Mass being said in the chapel at the Manor
House at Horton, in the time of William Paston, Esq. In
1833 I went to see this chapel with Sir Henry and Lady
Paston Bedingfeld, from Bath. The Manor House was not
inhabited. We gave 5«. to an old woman, who kept the
key of the old hsdl-door, to let us in. The chapel-door was
barred; but finding an opening in a lath-and-plaster wall,
we crept in all covered with cobwebs, dust, and lime. Here
we stood in the old chapel sanctuary, with its moth-eaten
green baice carpet, a well-carved oak altar, a mahogany taber-*
nacle, two old candlesticks, and a little bell on the altar steps,
on the epistle side, with ave maria round the rim. The
tabernacle was locked. I shook it; but evidently it was
empty. A beautiful framed triangle adorned the sanctuary,
circling with rays of glory. The communion-rails were
quite perfect, as also the family pews. A Gothic window
terminated the west end of the chapel, with beautiful tracery.
Oh ! quantum mutatus ! The beautiM window was torn
down in 1849. The chapel itself is turned into the village
school, and every remnant is gone except the triangle, to tell
its melancholy story of bygone days I"
Horton is now merged in the mission of Chipping
Sodbury.
IN GLOUCS8TER8HIEB. 117
III. Hartpury. — ^This valaable manor^ before the suppression
oF monasteries, belonged to St. Peter's Abbey, Oloucester.
The Crown then coming into legal possession, disposed of the
manor to the knightly family of Compton. The last Sir
WiUiam Compton left no male issue, but two daughters co-
heiresses; one married Mr. Bearcroft, and had no issue; the
other married John Berkeley, of Hendlip, Esq. Mr. Berkeley
also left two daughters, one, Catherine, married to Mr. Can-
ning, of Foxcote, Warwickshire; the other, Jane, married, in
May, 1799, Thomas Viscount Southwell.
At Hartpury a priest was kept. I meet two Benedictines,
P. Butler alias Berry, in 1769, and P. Bernard Young; but
regret to add that I have not recovered the names of other
chaplains previous to the arrival of the Dominicanesses in
1794, But more of Hartpury in the two next chapters.
Since the nims aforesaid removed to Atherstone, in Warwick-
shire, September, 1839, Hartpury has been an appendage to
the Oloucester mission.
rV. Haiherop. — By the marriage of Mary, the heiress of
the Bloomer family, to Sir John Webb, this property was
acquired ; and within my memory has passed away by the
marriage of the heiress of the Webbs to the Ponsonby
family. All has been effected within two centuries.
I am credibly informed that the Bev. Robert Bowes, alias
Lane, author of the ''Practical Reflections,'' had long
resided here ; but died at Bath on 1 7th December, 1735. I
know of no other chaplain at Hatherop before the arrival of
the Rev. John Lee. After a few years, he was appointed to
the Bavarian chapel, London, and died 13th July, 1839, aged
seventy-one.
v. Gloucester. — Comparatively speaking, this a modem
mission. The Webb family can claim theprincipal merit of
its foundation ; but especially Miss Mary Webb, daughter of
Sir John Webb, Bart., by his wife Mary (Salvin). This
zealous young lady died at Clifton, on 30th September,
1787. By a letter of the said Sir John Webb, addressed, on
9th August, 1788, to Bishop Walmesley, I ascertain that the
wish of his family was that the nomination of the incumbent
of Gloucester should be vested in the Vicar- Apostolic of the
London District.
1 . The first resident priest, I believe, was the Rev, George
Thomas Gildari ; but his stay was not long, for he quitted
18th May, 1789.
He was educated at Valladolid. On returning a priest to
England, he was employed for a time in London, thence at
Stonor, CO. Oxford, and thence at Gloucester. Por a certain
118 RETIBW OF THX MISSIONS
period he lived with the Bev. Edward Wright at Holywell.
During the twenty years that he served Monmouth, he was
euab]^ to erect its public chapeL Infirmities increasing
upon him, he retired to Usk, then to Brecon, and ended his
mortal course at Swansea ; in St. Mary's churchyard may
be seen his gravestone, at the east end, thus inscribed, —
I. H. S.
Sacred
To the memory of
The Rev. George Thomas Gildart^
Who after many vears of severe bodily affliction
Calmly expired on Monday, Feb. 17, 1827,
Aged 63.
May he rest in peace.
2. The Rev. John Jones, who supplied for a brief interval
after Mr. Gildart's retirement, and again for the three first
years of the present century, after the death of the Rev, John
Greenway* the third pastor, when he returned to the Mon-
mouth mission. This venerable Douay priest died at
Manchester on 11th March, 1810, set. eighty^onCj and was
interred in St. Patrick^s churchyard.
4. VAbbi Dwhemin was admitted pastor by Bishop
Douglass, on the strong recommendation of the acv. John
Jones. He continued his efficient services from January,
1804, untQ 1816, and in the course of the summer of that
year returned to France. In a letter I received from Caeu,
dated 5th January, 1845, I read that he died at Bayeux
a model of edification, deeply regretted, nearly ten years ago :
" il y a pen pres dix ans.*'
5. Bernard Giraud succeeded his countryman, and had
the charge of the congregation until his death, 4th Novem*
ber, 1825, set. sixty-four. His remains were deposited in
the cemetery of St. John the Baptist's parish.
6. John Burke, a native of Tipperary, educated in St.
John's College, Waterford, after serving Bristol for about a
twelvemonth, was sent here. He remained about two years,
then left for Usk ; whence he winged his flight to America,
unmindful of his vocation. His sad fall reminds us of the
text, Matt. V. 13, " Vos estis sal terrse," &c.
7. Auffustin VJosse. This respectable abbe accepted the
charge of the mission in February, 1828, and held it until
three days before his lamented death, which occurred on
* Of this reverend pastor, who removed the chapel from a back lane,
purchased the present premises, and erected St Peter^s Chapel, I shall
treat fully in the second part. Obiit 29th November, 1800, eet fifty.
IN GLOUOESTERSHIBE. 119
28th Januaiy^ 1841, let. seventy-eight. He was buried in
the vault of his quondam Mend and predecessor, TAbbe
Giraud.
8. Peter Hartley. Of this laborious ecclesiastic I shall
treat amply in the biographical part. Suffice it to say at
present, that after six years and a nalfs service^ he caught a
contagious fever from his attending a poor Irish traveller,
that on 29th July, 1847, he received all the rites of the
Church, and died on 3rd August, set. fifty-five.
9. Henry Godwin^ bom near Liverpool, 14th December,
1821, studied at Lisbon, and vas there ordained priest on
Saturday, the Ember week of Advent, 1846. After Mr.
Hartley's death he was appointed his successor; but seven
months later was transferred to St. Mary's, Stonehouse,
which he left in January, 1850.
10. Michael CarroU, bom in Tipperaiy, a.d. 1808, suc-
ceeded the Rev. H. Oodwin at Qlouoester late in March,
1848, on whose removal to Falmouth,
11. TTumoi Michael McDonnett, an experienced and
talented missioner, accepted the chiurge, and zealously per-
formed it for two years, when Bishop Hendren transferred
him, in July, 1850, to the wider and more important vine-
yard at St. Mary's, Stonehouse. I shall have to treat
lai^ely of this able veteran in the second part of this work.
12. Henry Janes next supplied for nearly four months;
viz., from 12th July to 9th November, 1850, when
Leonard CdUerbank was appointed the thirteenth incumbent
at Gloucester.
YI. Cheltenham. — In p. 57 I have mentioned that the
Bev. John Augustine Birdsall, O.S.B., after assisting at
Bath for three years and a half, quitted, in October, 1809,
to commence a new mission at Cheltenham. He had
received encouragement from the late Richard Bawe, Esq., to
originate this enterprise, and he bravely triumphed over
every difficulty. On 3rd June, 1810, he opened a chapel in
honour of St. Gregory the Great; and such was the progress
of religion in consequence of his apostolical zeal, seconded by
his coadjutors and successors, FF. Shann and Dowding, from
April 1885 to 1841, Henry F. Paillet, from 1848 to 1849,
and other sons of St. Benedict, that several times the chapel
required to be extended ; and now, under FF. Gotham and
Blount, of the same venerable order, a spacious church is
soon to be opened to receive the increasing numbers of the
faithftil.
During the disgraceful riots in November, 1850, organized
under pretence of our new hierarchy, the chapel of St. Gre-
120. BEYIBW OF THE MISSIONS
gory and the incumbent's nremises were outrageously
attacked by the mob^ and would probably have been demo-
lished^ if the civil authorities had not come to the rescue.
All damages were made good by the Hundred, instead of
being settled by private arbitration, as the instigators of
the mischief had proposed and expected. This exposure, I
trust, will serve for a caution to the workers of iniquity.
As a mark of improved good feeling amongst the better
classes, I was pleased to. hear that my friend Greorge Arthur
Williams was elected, in November, 1847, High Bailiff of
Cheltenham, — ^the first Catholic so honoured since the days
of Queen Elizabeth.
VII. Chipping Sodbury. — Here Mrs. Neve,* who realized
the character given of Dorcas, Acts ix. 86, — "Hsdc erat
plena operibus bonis et eleemosynis quas faciebat,'' — ^founded
a mission for the Benedictines. For this purpose she bought
convenient premises at the expense of £1,300, and added an
endowment of £50 per annum. The Rev. Thomas Boiling
(see the biographical part of this work) arrived here as the
first pastor on 26th October, 1838, and celebrated Mass in
the new chapel, which is 50 feet long by 26 broad, on
Sunday, two days later. Within four years later he was suc-
ceeded by the Bev. Henry Ignatius Sutton. In p. 59 I have
stated that the Bev. Balph Maurus Cooper, after rendering
invaluable service at Bath for twenty-three years and a half,
was allowed to retire to this comparatively easy mission in
1846. Here his attention to the beauty of God's house, and
his affectionate and disinterested zeal for souls in the scat-
tered population around him, must make him an instrument
of blessings. But I must reserve for the second part of
this compilation the details of his meritorious life.
YIII. Kemertan, near Tewkesbury. — ^This mission possesses
the beautiful gem of St. Bennetts church, with its painted
windows. The design was furnished by Mr. Hadfidd, of
Sheffield. Dr. Barber, the president of the Benedictines,
sung the High Mass at its opening, 18th July, 1843 ; Bishop
Brown, of the same order, preached, and twelve monks
assisted at the ceremony. I understand that the Eyston
family has the merit of this foundation, and that the Throg*
mortons and Tidmarshes are great benefactors. The Bev.
Samuel Day was the first pastor, and was efficiently sue-
. * She died in her house at Cheltenham in 1840. Her name was
Sarah Lunn before her marriage to the Rev. E^rton Neve, whom she
survived many years. By the death of her sister, relict of Philip
St. Martin, comte de Front (the Sardinian ambassador, who died
4th November, 1812), she received an increase to her fortune.
IN OLOUCB8TBR8HIBB. 121
ceeded^ in 1848^ by the Rev. PeCer Ridgeway^ of the same
venerable order.
IX. jRitr/brrf.*
X. JVoodchester. — ^William Leigh^ Esq.^ a recent convert
to the Catholic faith, purchased, in November, 1845, the
extensive estate of the Dude family in Glouoeatershire. In
gratitude to Heaven, for his singular vocation to the one true
religion, he determined to erect on his property a large
church in honour of our Blessed Lady of the Annunciation,
which should be served by a community of Regulars. Here
the name of a Catholic was hardly known. In the Tablet of
28th March, 1846, it was stated that. F. Dominic, superior
of the Passionists, had left Aston, in Staffordshire, to'
establish a temporary monasterv at Northfield, in Avening
parish. This was a house which Mr. Leigh had hired of a
Dissenting minister for two years, who little suspected that
his place was to be a receptacle for the professors of Popery.
In this house Mass was first said on 25th March, — a blessed
day for that vidnity, — in 1846. In the mean time active
preparations were making to commence a church and
monastery at Woodchester after a design of Mr. Charles
Hansom, of Clifton, The foundation-stone of the present
commanding church was laid by Bishop UUathome on
96th November, 1846. It was solemnly consecrated on
Wednesday, 10th October, 1849, by Bishop Hendren, V.A.
of the Western District, assisted by Bishop UUathome, who
had been translated to the vicariat of the Middle District. On
the following day the noble church was opened with unusual
splendour. This, as the day before, was ushered in with the
joyftil pealing of the church bells, called St. Crabriel's, St.
Elizabeth's, and St. Mary's.t Soon after deven o'dock the
procession moved from the sacristy : first
The Thurifer.
A Passioiiist Father, as Cross-bearer.
Acolytha^ WUliain Leigh, Jun., Esq., and H. Doyle, Esq.
Twelve boys in cassock and surplice.
The Clergy, two and two, in great numbers.
Bbhop Wiseman with his Chaplain.
Rev. F. Ignatius Spencer, as Superior of the Passionists.
Bishop Ullathome, with his Deacon and Subdeacon,
And Rev. W. J. Vanghan, as assistant Priest.
Bishop Hendren, with nis two attendant Priests,
And F. Bonomi, as Master of Ceremonies.
* The parish church is celebrated for its twenty-five windows, exe-
cuted in Flanders, and -captured in 1492 in a Spanish yessel on her way
from a Flemish port to South America. — See Arctieol. Jour. No. 48, p. 359.
t They had been blessed by Bishop Hendren 9th August, 1849,
St. Gabnel's, weight 5 cwt. ; St. Elizabeth's, 4 cwt. ; St. Mary's, 3 cwt.
122 BKVISW OF m MISSIONS
After passing up the nortli aisle^ and down the nave^ ihey
entered the gorgeous sanctuary, when the High Mass com-
menced. The dazzling beauty of the pontifical and clerical
robes, — ^the gravity of the assistants, — ^the melody of the vocal
and instrumental music, — the dignified eloquence of Bishop
Wiseman,— -and the silent attention of the immense midti-
tude, inspired awe and devotional feeling.
In the evening, the joyful ringing of bells summoned the
faithful to Vespers. After the^ had been chanted, Bishop
UUathome addressed the multitude in a strain of impas-
sioned eloquence; after which, solemn benediction of the
sacrament was given. All must have retired with the
imj^ression, ''We have seen wonders on this day :'' — ''Quia
vidimus mirabiUa hodie;'' and we believe the groundwork
was laid for several conversions.
The Passionists, on 7th October, 1850, quitted Woodchester
to establish themselves at Broadway, in Worcestershire, and
the next day F. Proctor, ex-provincial of the Dominicans,
was put into possession of the premises by the founder,
William Leigh, Esq. But the spacious and convenient
monastery was not fully opened before 11th August, 1853,
which, as a spectator I can truly affirm, was a day of glorious
triumph for religion.
XI. Nympsfield. — ^The apostolical zeal of the Dominicans,
who are by profession preachers of the Word of Life, has iur
duoed them, with encouragement, to open a mission in this
parish under the patronage of St. Joseph. A room has been
licensed and registered for Catholic worship. Mass was for
the first time cdebrated here on Sunday, 21st March, 1852.
XII. Cirencester. — ^The Kev. Anselm Glassbrook, O.S.B.,
who had taken the habit as early as 1823, after serving Chel-
tenham for a time, was appointed to the charge of the con-
gregation at Fairford. Having succeeded in obtaining some
desirable premises in the town of Cirencester, he fitted up a
neat little chapel, capable of holding 100 persons, which he
opened for divine worship on 23rd January, 1855. F. Thomas
M'Donnel, of Shortwood, who preached on this occasion,
informs me, that no such attempt had been made in Ciren-
cester since the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A correspondent,
in a letter dated 24th October, 1855, writes that this zealous
and laborious monk has '' now removed into Cirencester, and
that Mass is said but once a month at Fairford.''
Lord de Mauley for a time allowed £40 per annum to the
incumbent at Fairford.
In addition to the above, I find two Benedictine chaplains
at Stoke, in Gloucestershire ; viz., F. Laurence Lodwick, who
IN GLOX7CJB8TER8HIBE* 128
died there 3rd October^ 1633 ; F. Gregory Baoon^ who died
there 4th April, 1663 ; and a few also at Marlborough, with
the Hyde family.
XIII. Stroud. — A new mission was commenced here in
February, 1866, by the good Dominicans of Woodchester,
and promises well. On Tuesday, 27th May, 1856, the first
stone of its new church of the Immaculate Conception of our
Lady was laid by Archbishop Errington, as administrator of
the vacant diocese of Clifton. Florescut I
124 CATHOLIC FAMILIBS IN OLOUCBSTEBSHIRE.
CHAPTER XIII.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN aLOUCBSTSRSHIRB.
I APPREHEND that the Wakemana may take precedence of
the Catholic families^ established residents in the county. In
page 115 I have briefly alluded to their mission.
John Wych, alias Wakeman^ abbot of Tewkesbury, after
about eight years' goveminent, surrendered his house to the
Royal Commissioners on 7th November, 1539, and for such
subserviency was assigned a pension of £266. 10^. 4J. per
annum. Of course this ceased on his promotion to the new
see of Oloucester, to which he was consecrated on the 25th
September, 1541, at Croydon, and which he held for about
the same period that he had presided over the abbey of
Tewkesbury, dying early in December, 1549. Whilst abbot
he had prepared his tomb in a chapel of the conventual
church ; but he was buried at Worthington.
To follow up successively the generations of the family, I
fear is impracticable; for by a letter of Thomas Wakeman,
Esq., dated Craig, 7th June, 1843, I find that "every
papec during the civil wars in the reigns of Kings Charles I.
and Charles II. appears to have been carefully destroved.^'
But is it not a reflection on the family that none were found
to follow up the biography of the Sir George Wakeman,
Bart., — the ornament and gem of their pedigree, whom I
have mentioned in p. 105. He was the second son of
Edward Wakeman, Esq., by his wife Mary Cotton. This
honoured father, after spending a fortune in support of the
royal cause, died in 1659. His elder brother, Edward,
married Ann, daughter of Benedict Hall, of High Meadow,
Esq., and died in consequence of wounds received in the
king's service, on 3l8t August, 1662: ''in ipsa setatis
meridie,'' as his monument states in Beckford church. I
suspect that their sister Theresa was the Teresian nun at
Antwerp, who went, in August, 1678, to organize the new \
colony at Hoogstraet. After presiding over her sisters there
for six years, she returned to the mother house at Antwerp,
where, in the words of St. Maximus, ''Sanctam perfec-
iamque vitam mors Deo devota conducit/'
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN OLOUCEBTERSHIBE, 125
"Where Sir G^rge gradaated as physician^ I cannot dis-
cover ; certainly not in either of our Universities, nor was
he a member of our Boyal College of Physicians; but it is
manifest, from p. 46 of his Trial, published by authority in
1679, that he was physician to Queen Catharine " for nine
years/' Quitting his ungrateful country, he retired to Paris,
where he practised his profession with Sclat ; but Dodd, who
might have continued his biography after his trial, makes no
£Eurther mention of him.
The late William Wakeman, of Beckford, Esq., died at
Beckford, on 1st January, 1836, at the patriarchal age of
ninety-six.
Of the Halbj of High Meadow, it is painful to say that I
can glean but few particulars.
Cecily Hall died, 3rd March, 1651, a religious in the
Benedictine convent of our Lady of Consolation at Cambray.
Mrs. Ann Hall, descended of the Somersets, marquesses of
Worcester, and relict of Benedict Hall, of High Meadow,
retired to this nunnery, of which her daughter Catharine
was abbess, and there died 20th March, 1676, set. seventy-
nine. Her reverend daughter died in office on 17th March,
1692, and was buried near her mother. By the marriage of
Ben^icta Maria Theresa, only daughter and heiress of
Benedict Hall, Esq., to Thomas Gage, the High-Meadow
estates passed into that family. The firuit of this marriage,
William Hall Gage, bom 1st January, 1718, was subse-
quently created Baron Gage, of Firle, in the co. of Sussex,
having renounced the religion of his forefathers.
The Pastons.— In page 115 I have shown how the Pastons,
of Norfolk, came into the possession of the Horton estate in
CO. Gloucester.
William Paston, Esq., of Appleton, co. Norfolk, died on
24th March, 1673; his wife, Mary (Lawson), survived till
23rd September, 1679.
John was the first who settled at Horton. He married
thrice : 1st, Frances (Tichbome) ; she gave him three sons,
— William, Clement,* and James, and two daughters, — ^Mary
and Frances; and died 10th April, 1712.
Secondly, the Honourable Aiin, daughter of Charles
Lord Baltimore, and relict of Edward Somerset. She died
10th February, 1731.
Thirdly, Catharine Bostock.
• Is this the Clement Paston, Esq., who, dying at Worcester 17th
May, 1788, at an advanced age, was buried at 'St. Oswald's cemetery
there? His widow, Mrs. Mary Isabella Paston, died 11th December,
1794, and was buried in the same vault.
126 JCATHOLIC PAMILnSS IN 6LOUCBSTEB8HIRE.
. This John Paston died 7th October, 1737, set. sixty-eight,
and was succeeded by his eldest son William.
In the parish register of Arlington I read, — " 1751. Wil-
liam Paston, Esq., and Mary Chichester, were married/' But
this was his second wife, for his first lady was Mary, daughter
of John Courtenay, of Holland, Esq., by his wife Amy,
daughter of Thomas, Lord Clifford, baron of Chudleigh.
His first wife left him an only child, Anna Maria Paston,
who married, as I find in the said parish register, on Slst
June, 1748, Greorge Throgmorton, Esq., only son of Sir
Bobert Throgmorton, Bart. Their sole issue was Ann
Throgmorton, who dying at Calverleigh Court on 6th Novem-
ber, 1783, was buried in the Nagle vault of the adjoining
parish church.
In the north aisle of Horton church may be seen a memo*
rial thus inscribed.
*' Sacred to the memory of William Paston, late of Horton, Esq.
A man enriched hy Nature and by Art
With what could please and interest each heart.
In upper life, by all who saw, approved.
In lower life, by all who knew him, loved.
No epitaph his virtues need proclaim.
His actions ever will endear his name.
An upright, generous, open-hearted friend.
Horton, deplore thy Ion, lament his end I *
He was twice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter of John
Courtenay, of Holland, in the county of Devon, one of the
co-heiresses of her brother
John Courtenay, of the same place, Esq.
She died Oct. the 29th, a.d. 1747.
His second wife was Mary, daughter of Giles Chichester, of Arlington,
in that county, Esq., who, as a grateful testimony of her
sincere love and affection,
Caused this monument to be erected to the deceased.
By his first wife he had issue one daughter, Anna Maria, married to
George, the only son of Sir Robert Throgmorton, of Weston
Underwood, in the county of Berks, Bart.
By his second wife he had no issue.
He died January the lltli, Anno Dom, 1769,
iBtatis sues 69.
Bequieteat in Pace,^
Of the influential family of Webb I have had frequent
occasion to speak.
Major-Gren. Webb was dreadfully wounded at Newbery
by case-shot ; but whether in the first battle fought there on
* He lost his life through the carelessness of a sempstress leaving a
needle in the sleere of his shirt. His widow died at Weston 17ih June,
1772.
CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN OLOI7CESTKII8HIBB. 127
20th September^ 1648, or in the second/ on 27ih October^
1644, 1 am not prepared to say.
King Charles I. created John Webb, of Odstock, po.
Wilts, Esq., a baronet, 2nd April, 1644, in consideration of
the sacrifices made by the family for the royal cause.
A branch of the Jertdngham family was established at
Painswick, in Bisley himdred. Sir Henry Jemingham, the
second baronet of his family, married Mary, daughter of
Benedict Hall, of High Meadow, Esq.
The Trinder family of Burton-on-the-Water was Catholic.
Charles Trinder, serjeant-at-law, was made recorder of
Gloucester, 8th January, 1687, O.S. We have met as
chaplains there, F. Placid Nelson, who left in 1717i and
F. Bennet Bigmaiden, both Benedictines.
The Theyers, of Cowper's Hill, became Catholic about
1643. John Thever, Esq., died there, 25th August, 1673.
A branch of the Berkleys was settled at Beverston, in
Gloucestershire. Jane, daughter of Sir Bichard Berkeley,
Knt., taking the religious habit of St. Benedict, was very
instruments! in the establishment of the first English nunnery
abroad, yiz., at Brussels. She was blest as its first abbess on
4th November, 1599. There she ended her pious course on
2nd August, 1616, set. sixty-one, rel. thirty-five j abbess
seventeen years. This invaluable community has been
happily located in Winchester since the first IVench Bevo*
lution.
Whilst satisfactory information concerning some other
Catholic families, — ^the Bartletts, Brents, Kemps, Nevilles,
&c., eludes my humble researches, still it rejoices the heart
to contemplate the growing congregations of the faithful in
the country, — ^to witness the improved style and enlarged
scale of the churches and chapels, schools and missionary
premises, — and to enumerate the splendid acauisitions of
landed property by Catholic converts. To William Leigh,
Esq., the purchaser of the extensive domain of Woodchester
Park, religion owes a debt of gratitude for his generous
protection and encouragement of practical piety by his purse
and by his example. May the Giver of all good Gifts
bless him and his saintly family with health and all desired
prosperity! When I lately visited that monument of his
piety, the noble church of Our Lady of the Annunciation,
and said Mass in the exquisite chantry of the Forty Martyrs,
I felt indeed for the sacrifice that God had recently de-
manded of him of his eldest daughter Caroline Blanche, She
was the eflSgy of her parents' piety, and was called away to
128 CATHOLIC FAMILIES IN OLOUCESTfiRSHIBE.
receive its reward on IStli September^ 1852* On a brass
plate was engraved the following inscription : —
** Hie jacet ad dextram latns sub ara Quadraginta Martyram
Quod mortale habuit Carolina Blanche Leign, filia dileeta Gnlielmi
Leigh de Woodchester Park, Armigeii ; et Carolinee
Uxoris ejus. Pie obiit xy Sept. Anno Dnl. mdccclii.
^tatis suae vigeaimo aecnndo : cujus animc propitietur Deus."
And this lover of hospitality and patron of the clergy^ after
entertaining with the most affectionate care the Most Rev,
Francis Joseph Nicholson, archbishop of Corfu, during his
long illness at Woodchester, where he expired on Monday
night, the SOth of April, 1855, provided all the expenses of
his grace's funeral in the church of the Annunciation 10th
of May following, and is preparing to perpetuate the memory
of the illustrious departed by his recumbent statue dressed
in his pontificals, on an elevated altar-tomb, to be surrounded
with brass railings.
The worthy Dominican fathers of the monastery of the
Annunciation at Woodchester gratefully dedicated their first
theses of philosophy and divinity, defended on the 3rd of
August, 1855, —
** Optimo ac pnestantiBsimo Viro
Guhelmo Leigh
Ordinis Sancti Gregorii Magni, Eqnitiy omatiasimo
EcdesicB hnjusce Fandatori
Coenobii etiam Beneuctori munificentessimo
Grati Animi ergo."
May they long be enabled to compliment their generous
patron, and proclaim his merits and increasing honours.
129
CHAPTER XIV.
HfBTORICAL REPORT OF ALL THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISH MENT8 IX
THESE SIX WESTERN COUNTIES SINCE THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.
1. Lanherne, in the Deanery of Pydre, ComwalL
Here was the seat of the Arundells^ certainly from the time
of King Henry III., and the manor was held of the see of
Exeter by military service. — (See Bishop Stapeldon's Register^
folios 102, 115, 116, A.D. 1315.) To Lady Jane de Arundell,
Bishop Brantyngham, on 14th February, 1376, granted the
license of having divine service performed in the chapel or
oratory there. — (See p. 29 of the third chapter.)
The English Theresian nuns have, by God's blessing, been
settled here since August, 1794. This convent was founded
at Antwerp on 1st May, 1619, by Lady Ann Lovel. The
series of the prioresses of this community from the beginning
may interest the reader.
1. Ann Wbrsley, who continued in office until her pious
death in December, 1644. During her government, she gave
the habit to fifty ladies, and sent a filiation of her religious
to Dusseldorf.
2. Ann Wright succeeded early in 1645, but died two
years later, aged thirty-seven.
3. Theresa Ward died in the second year of her govern-
ment, having first established a colony at Lierre in 1648,
which at the French Revolution removed to Auckland,
St. Helen's, near Durham.
4. Lucy Bedingfeld, — She died of the small-pox on 6th
January, 1650, aged thirty-six. Thus in five years the com-
munity sustained the loss of three prioresses. This fourth
was one of many sisters who devoted themselves to God in
the religious state.
5. Ann Keynes. — She continued in office nine years, and
was very instrumental in founding a Carmelite house at
Mnnsterfeld.
6. Ann Har court was elected in 1659, and governed the con-
vent six years. Whilst sub-prioress, she exerted herself most
zealously in the establishment of a colony at Hoogstraet,**^
* At the French Revolution, settled at Canford, co. Dorset.
K
130 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
and was elected their first prioress; but she died three weeks
after, viz. 11th September, 1678.
7. Margaret Wake de Angelia was elected in 1665. After
presiding for six years, she obtained a respite from supe-
riority, but in 1677 was summoned again to resume office,
which she held until her death, on 2l8t June, 1678. Her
body was found entire and flexible on 13th August, 1716,
and BO continued until the beginning of the French Revolu-
tion, when it was translated from the conventual church to
be deposited in the episcopal vault within Antwerp cathedral.
8. Mary Wigmore was elected in 1671, and remained pri-
oress for six years ; re-elected in 1687 ; ob. 1697.
9. Frances Turner succeeded in 1678, filled the office for
six years, and died in 1693.
10. Mary Sonias, a native of Antwerp, supplied the office
for three years.
11. Mary Burton was elected in 1687, and held the reins
of government for fifteen years.
12. Mary Birkbeck was elected in 1702, and, according to
my correspondent, " was many years prioress off and on.''
13. Delphina Smith, who did not survive her election much
more than a twelvemonth.
14. Theresa Bond was chosen her successor in 1732, and
died in the third year of office.
15. Theresa Howard governed the community for fifteen
years.
16. Mary Howard, elected in 1750, resigned at the end of
thirteen years.
17. Ann Homes succeeded in January, 1763, and died in
October, 1764.
18. Theresa Mary Howard was elected in 1764, and died
in office 26th July, 1775.
19. Frances Maddocks was now called upon to assume the
reins of government for the three next years, and was re-elected
on the death of her successor in October, 1784. Within
twelve years later she was forced, with her twelve nuns and
three lay sisters, to abandon their beloved convent on 29th
June, 1794, and hurrying from French rapacity to Rotter-
dam, took shipping there, and reached London on 12th July.
In the ensuing month they were comfortably settled at Lan-
heme. This venerable superior laid down her office, which
had tried her constitution severely, in 1797, and on 19th
January was called to receive the reward of her meritorious
life in the sixty- ninth year of her age, and forty- seventh of
her religious profession.
KBLI010U8 ESTABLISHMENTS. 181
20. Mary Breni, who had beea elected in 1778^ died in
office 18th October, 1784.
21. Mary Wright, a very saperior person^ succeeded in
1797, and continued in office until her death, 11th February,
1814, set. sixty-one.
22. Mary Charlotte Stewart. — This amiable reverend
mother was elected in 1814, and after presiding for six years,
was re-elected for another triennium in March, 1829. Obiit
9th August, 1832.
23. Mary Theresa Tolozan entered upon office 11th March,
1820, and filled it for nine years successively ; was re-elected
in March, 1835, but resigned about five years later.
24. Mary Magdalen Done was elected in March, 1832.
25. Mary Aloysia Anion was elected in March, 1840, and
served the office for six years.
26. Elizabeth Theresa DumbeU governed the community
for three years, from 1849.
27. Mary Joseph Pegg was elected 3rd March, 1849.
N.B. The above reverend mother, Elizabeth Theresa Dum«
bell, was re-elected 3rd March, 1852, and on 14th March, 1855,
for another triennium, was re-elected Mary Joseph Pegg.
2. Clare House, Plymouth,
The English Convent of Poor Clares, at Gravelines,* was
the mother house to the religious establishments of the
order, first, at Aire, in 1629 ; secondly, at Rouen, in 1644,
and at Dunkirk, in 1655.
Some of the ladies who commenced the house at Gra-
velines had made their profession in the Franciscan Convent,
called Nazareth, near Veere, in Walcheren. The commu-
nity had flourished there for nearly a century, when the
rapid successes of the Huguenots compelled the inmates to
quit on 24th April, 1572, and to take refuge from the
advancing enemy in Veere itself. On 11th of the following
month they had to endure the indescribable affliction of
beholding, from the town walls, the conflagration of their
beloved monastery. Leaving Veere on 17th July, they
* The commanity was providentially preserved in their persons,
though not in their buildings, from the explosion of the royal magazines
in the centre of the town, between ten and eleven o'clock of the morning
of 28th May, 1654. Bat I collect, that as early as 3rd November, 1626,
the convent was nearly burnt to the ground. According to the Thurloe
State Papers, vol. ii. p. 306, they sustained injury in July, 1668, when
the town was besieged and taken by the combined forces of England
and France.
K 2
132 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THB
wandered during the next four days in great misery, and
perpetual fear of falling into the hands of the Huguenots; but
by God's blessing safely reached the city of Antwerp. After
nine years' residence with the Poor Clares there, the growing
ascendancy of the Calvinists in the town compelled them
to abandon these happy cloisters; and on 20th July, 1581,
they took shipping for St. Omer's. In this city they expe-
rienced every charitable attention from the English Jesuits,
who procured for them quarters in the " Archers' House,"
then belonging to the Government ; and at the expiration of
thirteen years, the use of all those premises. But as these
were found inconvenient, their friends. Count de Gournerall
and Edward Gage, of Bentley, Esq., especially, aided Mrs.
Mary Ward to obtain an eligible site in Gravelines for a new
convent in 1607. With the approbation of the bishop of
St. Omer's, sister Mary Stephana Goudge, with four religious,
left St. Omer's fur Gravelines on 7th November, 1608, to
commence this new house of Nazareth ; and on 3rd of May
following, all the community was installed in it, and Mary
Stephana Goudge was declared its first abbess. During
the five years of her superiority, she is thus described, " Non
tam imperio praefuit, quam exemplo profuit." Ob. 23rd
November, 1613, set. thirty-six.
But to confine our attention to the house at Aire, in
Artois, which was founded in 1629, their first abbess was,
1. Margaret Radcliffe, a lady of great experience in
spiritual life. She held her rank for seven years. She died
26th July, 1654, aet. seventy-two, rel. forty-four.
2. Catharine Clare Keynes governed the house for eight
years. Ob. 20th November, 1646, set. twenty-seven, rel.
thirty-four.
3. Frances Golding served for one triennium. She sur-
vived until 17th October, 1658, set. thirty-nine, rel. nineteen.
4. Elizabeth Eveling for upwards of twenty years was
superioress. Ob. 23rd September, 1669, set. seventy-two,
rel. fifty.
5. Mary Giffard held the office but eight months, dying
6th September, 1670, set. forty-eight, rel. thirty-three.
6. Martha Wilford presided for eight years. Obiit 14th
August, 1678, set. sixty-two, rel. thirty-nine.
7. Etheldred Audry Randolph was abbess for the next
twenty years. Ob. 24th February, 1698, set. sixty-seven,
rel. thirty.
8. IVinefred Orrell succeeded; but died 8th December,
1702.
9. Margaret Dodd vias permitted to resign her dignity
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 133
27th April, 1719, from old age and deafness. She died
3rd May, 1726, »t. eighty-five, rel. fifty nine.
10. Jane Metcalfe for the next twenty years continued in
office. Ob. 26th Pebraary, 1743, set. seventy-one, rel. fifty-
one.
11. Magdalen Clare Hales held superiority eight years,
and died 7th September, 1748, set. seventy-seven, rel. fifty-
one.
12. Elizabeth Tfieresa Sykes was abbess for thirteen
months only, when she was hurried to the tomb.
13. Jane Pye governed the house for six years. Ob.
21st April, 1756, aet. sixty-six, rel. forty-two.
14. Agnes Warner died two years after her election, viz.
4th July, 1 759, aet. forty -five, rel. nineteen.
15. Bridget Clare Blundell supplied the next triennium,
and died 2nd February, 1763, aet. seventy-five, rel. forty-
two.
16. Mary Frances Dickinson. — ^This venerable mother,
after presiding for twenty-one years, died on 6th January,
1780, aged eighty-two, rel. sixty-two, jubilariau twelve.
17. Mary Catherine Hodgson, elected in 1780, and hers
was truly a painful pre-eminence. After her community
]iad lived in peace and comfort, she had to experience the
desolating hurricane of the French Revolution. They were
confined and guarded as prisoners in their own convent;
their confessor, F. Pacificus Kingston, was torn from them,
and thrown into a dungeon preparatory to his execution,
as expected the next morning; this would have taken
place, if the news had not reached Aire the night before
that Robespierre had been executed on 28th Jidy, 1794.'^
But these ladies were doomed to strict confinement for
a lengthened period, and were denied permission to pro-
ceed to England until the autumn of 1799. In the late
Thomas Weld, of Lullworth, they met a soothing comforter
and generous protector. His only sister, Mary Euphrasia,t
* In paffe 14 of the Directory of 1796, I read, ** Their chaplain, tlie
Rev. Mr. Kington, is reported to have been guillotined for having ven-
tured to exercise his spiritual functions." The truth is, he providentially
escaped the fate prepared for him, as I have heard him relate the story.
More of him in the Second Part. He died at Osmundley, corruptly
called Osmotherley, co. York, 18th February, 1727, a)t, seventy-tm-ee,
Ab for Robespierre, the following epitaph was made for him : —
*' Passant, ne pleure pas son sort ;
Car, s'il vivait, tu serais mort."
t This venerable lady died at Clare House, Plymouth, on 12th March,
1823^ aged sixty-nine.
134 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
who had long been a religious of this monastery, was^ with
her community, complimented with the free use of his seat
at Britwell^ in Oxfordshire;, and here they remained until
1813, when they were transferred to their abode at Coxside,
near Plymouth, which they denominated Clare House.
On 4th September, 1812, obtaining permission to resign
her office, the venerable ex-abbess quitted Britwell House
with her sisters, for Plymouth, and died at Clare House on
19th November, 1818, at the age of seventy-three, and
fifty-sixth of her religious profession.
18. Sutanrudi Mills was elected abbess on the resigna-
tion of the Reverend Mother Hodgson. She also obtained
permission to resign her dignity on 2nd July, 1818. She
died on 8th March, 1823.
19. Clare Conyers, who had been professed at Aire, on
13th September, 1770, set. twenty. one, was elected abbess
on the resignation of the Reverend Mother Mills.
20. Mary Lucy Crump, elected abbess 5th June, 1830,
and served the o£Sce for three years. Her death occurred on
11th June, 1885, aet. forty-six.
21. Josephine Simmons was elected 6th May, 1833. To
the regret of numerous friends, and whilst in the enjoyment
of many comforts, and several advantages, this abbess de-
termined to quit Clare House for Gravelines. Accordingly,
with her community, she bade adieu to Plymouth on 28th
May, 1834 ; and after an unusually tedious passage, reached
Oravelines on 6th June. There she died four mouths later,
on 24th October, 1834, aet. fifty-three, rel. twenty-four.
The community, naturally enough, grew very dissatisfied
with their new quarters, and made arrangements with the
nuns at Soorton, in Yorkshire, to admit them into their
convent. These Poor Clarists, a filiation also from Gravelines
monastery, had resided at Dunkirk from 1655, respected
and honoured, for nearly a century and a half, when they
were driven away by the terrors of the French Revolution.
In May, 1794, they fortunately found a refuge at Churchill
Wood, near Worcester, where they tarried until 1807, when
they removed to Scorton aforesaid.
In conclusion I may add, that during the residence of the
worthy community at Clare House, Plymouth, eleven of their
members died; also two Franciscan Friars, FP. William
Casemore and James Summers, were buried in their con-
ventual cemetery. It may also be proper to notice, that a
few children of their gardener, Mr. Collins, were interred
there by permission.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 135
3. The Lodge at Taunton,
This convent is of the third order of St. Francis of Assisium,
— a rule originally (1221) intended for persons of either sex,
single or married, who desired to lead a life of particular
devotion and penance in the world. Within a century later,
from a mere confraternity, it was raised to the rank of a
religious order in the Church.
I compiled the history of this English convent of St.
Elizabeth for '^ Dolman^s Magazine,^' and refer the reader
to it for detailed information. Suffice it to relate here, that
two English widows, Mrs. Lucy Sleford and Mrs. Petronilla
Kemp, under the direction of P. John Gennings, the reviver
of the English Province of Friars Minors,* had assumed the
habit of this third order at Brussels, in 1619, under the
firm resolve to erect a monastery of this order for the English
nation, — ^that they made their solemn profession 29th May,
1620, — that Isabella Kemp was summoned over to England
by F. William Stanney, and returned to Brussels with
Mrs. Wilcox {olim Greenbury), the widow of Bowland
Wilcox, a silk-merchant, and citizen of London ; and shortly
after, she was sent back to escort six young ladies from
England; amongst whom were the two Misses Hockley,
whose mother, Dorothy, was niece to the Venerable Richard
Whiting, last abbot of Glastonbury, so revengefully and
iniquitously executed by Henry VIII. on 15th November,
1539.
With this accession of numbers and means, they were
enabled to purchase, for £750 sterling, a house in Brussels,
in a street called " Buckbuere Straet,^' and on 9th August,
1621, F. Andrew ^ Soto, the Commissary-General, residing
at Brussels, duly sanctioned this establishment, and, ad
interimj deputed Margaret de Castro, a nun of St. James's
Convent at Ghent, and Beatrix Raminas, of Valenciennes,
to superintend. This arrangement continued until the year
following, when two English sisters of the convent at
Gravelines, Margaret and Elizabeth Radcliffe, were directed
to undertake the government and direction of this interesting
community. These excellent ladies, after deeply implanting
the spirit of their seraphic founder in the hearts of their
precious charge, returned to their convent at Gravelines,
* Thb venerable patriarch, the restorer and first provincial of his
brethren, died in St. Bonaventnre's Convent at Douay, according to the
inscribed slab in its diorch, 12th November, 1660, eet. ninety ; Miss.
60, Prof. 44.
136 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
loaded with the blessings and homage of the grateful chil-
dren in Jesus Christ. During their four years' stay at Brussels
thirty-nine had taken the veil, and thirty-two were professed.
The community was now enabled to choose a superior
from their own members, and their election fell on Catharine
Prances Wilcox {oUm Grreenbury, above mentioned), about
Michaelmas, 1626. Everything promised well, and the
numbers increased; yet such is the uncertainty of all
earthly affairs, such the intermixture of prosperity and tribu-
lation in human life, that during her government it was
deemed indispensable to remove their residence from Brus-
sels to Nieuport, near Ostend. This measure was adopted in
1637, on account of the difficulty of subsistence in so dear a
place as Brussels^ and the confined limits there of their con-
ventual premises. Yet what they gained for the next quarter
of a century in cheapness and room, they lost in the unwhole-
someness of the climate. No less than thirty -seven of the
community fell victims to its influence. Add to this, in
consequence of the troublesome times in England, their
resources from that quarter sensibly diminished ; and then
the wars between Spain and France added greatly to their
anxieties and miseries. But that loving providence of God,
who permits all the trials of His servants (as St. Paul so
beautifully sets it forth in his Epistle to the Hebrews) for
their greater good, and has pledged Himself never to leave
and abandon them, now visibly appeared in their rescue.
At the restoration of monarchy in England, their hopes
revived ; friends and benefactors generously came forward,*
and purchased for them the large antiquated palace once
inhabited by the dukes of Burgundy, and in which Philip I.
of Spain was bom. It was called Princenhoff, in the city
of Bruges.
On 13th June, 1662, the vicaress, the Kev. Mother
Eyston, was sent to Bruges with eleven nuns, and, pro tem-
pore, took up their lodgings in the house of Mr. Ford, an
English merchant, James-street. In November the Rev.
Mother Abbess Brenkurst joined them with the rest of the
community ; and on Ist March, all repairs being completed,
they joyfully entered the very capacious and convenient monas-
tery of Princenhoff. Their church of our Blessed Lady of
Dolors was solemnly blessed and dedicated by the bishop of
Bruges on 18th May, 1661. Here the convent, with the excel-
• Amongst them we may specify Henry, duke of Norfolk : the Oneate
family ; Henry, earl of Dover, who gave them £500 and the beautiful
nlate of his private chapel ; the Ravenscroft family, &c. Lady Mary
fenyham (ofim Engl efi eld) gave them the Remonstrance.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 187
lent school for a limited number of young ladies^ continued
to flourish, with God's blessing, for more than 130 years,
%vhen the successes of the French arms and the advance of
the revolutionary troops compelled them, on 15th June,
1794, to bid adieu to their peaceful, happy abode, and look
for safety in old England.
But we will briefly supply the list of abbesses. Consider-
ing that the elections are triennial, and that the nuns are at
liberty to re-elect the old, or substitute a new superior, it is
pleasing to observe how few changes, comparatively, have
taken place within the last 230 years. I may alsct add,
that this community dates its commencement from the date
of the profession of Mrs. Wilcox and her six companions,
viz., 10th August, 1621.
The first abbess, Catharine Frances Wilcox, elected in
1626, governed the house with deserved commendation. In
the eleventh year of her presidency (1637) she had to remove
with her charge to Nieuport. Resigning her dignity in
November, 1640, she meekly departed to our Lord on 17th
February, 1642, set. forty-seven.
2. Margaret Clare West succeeded, and died in office in
1653, set. fifty-two.
3. Barbara Paul Perkins presided from the last-mentioned
year until her happy death in October, 1661, set. fifky-one.
And thus the three first abbesses were, in great measure, early
victims to the insalubrious atmosphere of Nieuport.
4. Susan Gabriel Brinkhurst was unanimously elected
abbess late in 1661. Soon after her appointment, the trans-
migration took place to Bruges. During her lengthened
term of government, she endeared herself to her subjects by
her patience and courage under every difficulty. The vene-
rable lady resigned her office in 1694, and died at Princenhoff
in the following February, set. seventy-four.
5. Elizabeth Mary Walton was elected in 1674, but after
a short illness, two years later, was summoned to a better
world, and her predecessor was re-elected to the office.
6. Mary Magdalen Smith, on the retirement of the fourth
abbess in 1694, succeeded ; and at the end of a triennium,
obiit 1713.
7. Henrietta Maria Moore, a very accomplished and
talented religious, served the office for the next three years.
Obiit 1704.
8. Margaret Clare Roper, distinguished by birth and
abilities ; she governed the house with admirable discretion
for nineteen years, and died in office in 1719, set. sixty-four.
9. Alethea Helen Metham, — After nine years of superiority,
138 BISTO&ICAL REPORT OF THE
she prevailed on her children to release her from her charge,
in consideration of her precarious health, in 1728. She
survived two years after her retirement.
10. Frances Theresa Hill was elected abbess at the age of
8is.ty-two; but she was wonderfully vigorous in mind and
body. At the age of eighty she could hardly obtain her
provincial's consent to retire from active duty. This vene-
rable lady survived till 1st May, 1757, set. ninety-two, rel.
seventy-two, jub. twelve.
11. Mary Ignatia Lawson was judged the fittest person to
succeed the Abbess Hill in the eventful year of 1745, and
held the reins of government for thirty-seven years, when
she was reluctantly permitted to resign her dignity j and
gently slept in our Lord on the eve of Holy Innocents, 1783,
aged seventy-two, rel. fifty-five.
12. Mary Gertrude Simeon Weld, the only child of
Thomas Simeon Weld, of Aston Hall, Staffordshire, Esq.,
and Mary Fitzherbert his wife, who had been great benefac-
tors to the convent,''^ was the very image of their piety and
goodness. In her seventeenth year she consecrated herself
to God; in due time she was appointed vicaress, in 1774, and
in 1779 was placed at the head of the scholars, winning the
hearts of all under her charge. In October, 1782, she was
called to fill the office of abbess. The growing discontents
in the Low Countries, the progress of revolutionary princi-
ples, and the subsequent successes of the French armies,
excited her acute solicitude for the safety of her dear com-
munity, and demanded the exercise of all her energies.
Though it must have gone to her heart to think of bidding a
final adieu to their charming convent, where lay the remains
of her honoured parents, she clearly foresaw the sacrifice
must be made ; but she meekly bowed to the holy will of
her Ood, and her self-possession and tranquillity of soul
kept alive the courage and confidence of her attached sub-
jects. On Trinity Sunday, 15th June, 1794, after an early
Mass and Communion, and their last looks of their sweet
convent taken, they proceeded to Delft, waiting there for a
passage to England. On 7th August they reached Green-
wich. Her cousin-german, Thomas Weld, of LuUworth,
* The father died at BruBsels in 1764, but his remains were brought
to PrincenhofF for interment. Ilis widowed lady, who had been educated
there, now petitioned to be received as a novice, and after a twelve-
month's probation made her religious vows. Almighty God accepted
her self-sacrifice, and in October, 17C0, called her up to receive her
retribution in her forty-ninth year, leaving the legacy of the best
example to this edifying community.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 189
Esq.^ came forward as a protector and fiE^her. Already he
had secured the Abbey House iu Winchester for their recep-
tion. About the middle of August^ the mother abbess^ and
a few of her thirty-five subjects, were enabled to take posses-
sion of the premises^ and by the 28th^ all had been collected
together, besides three French nuns, O.S.A., to whom this
charitable abbess had afforded hospitality during the reign
of terror. But here another tribulation awaited her. The
very first person she professed at Winchester, the eldest
daughter of her generous kinsman and benefactor, Mr. Weld,
Juliana Frances de Sales Weld, a most promising and edify-
ing religious, was called away to her eternal recompense
on 27th October, 1800, aet. twenty-seven, rel. eight. She
shortly survived this severe trial, and died on 12th May
following, set. sixty-four.
18. Jane Frances de Chantal Hawse, whom to know was
to venerate, was unanimously elected to supply the loss of
the late beloved abbess.
Within very few years after her appointment, it was found
indispensable either to build considerably, or to remove
elsewhere. The latter was resolved on. Their friends were
on the look-out^ and recommended at last the site intended
for a general hospital, near Taunton, the foundation-stone of
which had been laid, on a gentle and healthy eminence, by
Lord North, 29th September, 1772. After covering in the
buildings, the design, in consequence of the failure of funds,
was laid aside, and the premises were sold to defray ex-
penses, and purchased by the Cole family, who called it
the Lodge. With this family a satisfactory bargain was
concluded in May, 1807. All friends agreed that a more
eligible situation could not be desired for convenience, for
health, for the respectability of the neighbourhood, and the
superiority of the markets. The abbess, with a colony of
nuns, and the young ladies of the school, were the first
arrivals at the Lodge; the remainder by 2nd June, 1808,
were all safely and happily reunited in this very cheerful
and roomy mansion. They were thirty-five in community
when they quitted Winchester.
This reverend mother had cause to rejoice in this change
of locality, and the progressive prosperity of her establish-
ment, the visible benediction of Heaven resting upon it.
Having now presided for thirty years, she obtained permis-
sion to resign. Seven years later she resigned her precious
soul into the hands of her Creator on 11th October, 1888,
aet. eighty-six, rel. sixty-nine.*
• See Appendix No. VI.
140 HISTORICAL REPORT OP THE
14. Winefred llieresa Berington, elder sister to the prioress
of Spetisburg, bom 26th October, 1773, was elected in 1831.
After gaining all hearts by her gentle virtues, at the end of
sixteen years' faithful administration she was permitted to
resign her dignity, but continued to benefit the community
by her wisdom and luminous example until her happy death
on 27th January, 1856, at. eighty-two, rel. sixty-five.
15. Frances Agnes Jemingham, daughter of William Jer-
niugham, Esq., who took the religious habit in 1828, and
made her profession a twelvemonth later, on the anniversary
of the foundation of the convent (10th August), was elected
abbess on 4th May, 1847, and does honour to her station.
4. Canford,
This Carmelite community was settled for thirty years at
Canford House, near Poole, in Dorsetshire. It was originally
a filiation from the Theresians of Antwerp (see p. 129), and
was founded at Hoogstraet on 18th August, 1678, under
tlic title of " Domus B. Teresia k Jesu,'' by the Lady Gabriel
de la Laing, bom Countess of Hoogstraet and Benenbourg,
widow of Charles Florentine Wild Rheingrave, count of
Salm, &c., Lieutenant-General of the infantry of the United
Provinces, and Governor of Breda. There these holy recluses
flourished in peace and comfort until the French anarchists
lighted up the torch of war, and spread consternation and
panic around them. Quitting their happy home on 7th July,
1794, they readied England on the 13th, and took up their
residence at Friars-place, Acton, until December, when Sir
John Webb and his only daughter and heiress, Lady Barbara,
fifth countess of Shaftesbury, afforded them a much better
asylum at Canford House. I proceed to ofier the succesi^
sion of the prioresses.
1. Ann Harcourt, who held office but for three weeks,
dying on 11th September, 1678.
2. Aloysia Wright succeeded for the next three years. She
died in 1694, aet. fifty-seven.
3. Theresa IVakeman, after presiding for six years, re«
turned to the mother house at Antwerp, whence she passed
to eternity.
4. Mary Howard, elected 20th September, 1687, and
served a triennium. Ob. 8th April, 1728.
6. Margaret Burlan was prioress for six years successively ;
after an interval of another six years she was re-elected
prioress, and died in office an. 1713.
6. Mary Theresa Rheingrave, daughter of the pious foun«
RELIOIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 141
dress. She took the habit 15th October, 1679, and was
professed in the following year. On 22nd September, 1696,
she was elected prioress, and governed the house for six years.
On the death of Prioress Burlan she was reinstated, and died
in office 6th February, 1715, set. fifty-four.
7. Theresa Stepney succeeded in 1715, and filled the place
of superioress for three years.
8. Seraphina Busby followed in 1722, and remained in
office for a triennium.
9. Agnes Frances Burton, formerly prioress of Lierre con-
vent, was elected in 1725.
10. Mary Burnett was the next superioress, but died within
a twelvemonth.
11. Mary York, who died in office 2l8t September, 1742.
12. Isabella Burnett, after presiding for fourteen years,
died also in office in 1756.
13. Mary Ann Hunter was elected 28th July, 1756, and
held her rank until her happy death 25th April, 1765.
14. Mary Parkinson, elected 28rd May, 1765, died
prioress, on Lady-day, 1774.
15. Bemardine Theresa Matthews, elected 13th April,
1774. After governing her house for sixteen years with
much commendation, with episcopal sanction she departed
with two other members to establish a Carmelite nunnery in
Maryland, on 19th April, ^790. There she died 12th June,
1800, aet. sixty-seven.
.16. Ann Hill, elected 24th April, 1790, had to expe-
rience the miseries of emigration from her convent. She
ended her. days at Canford House on 29th October, 1813,
«t. seventy-nine, rel. fifty-nine.
17. Mary Errington (in religion, Magdalen of St. Theresa)
was elected at Canford on 2nd February, 1795, and con-
tinued her superiority until her lamented death on 14th
December, 1810, aet. sixty-two, rel. forty-six.
18. Mary Oswaldine Errington succeeded 14th January,
1811, and died in office on 9th May, 1813, aet. seventy-one,
rel. fifty-three.
19. Mary Jessop, elected 13th May, 1813.
20. Mary Theresa Duck. — Lady Barbara (the only child
of Anthony Ashley, fifth earl of Shaftesbury, by his wife
Barbara,^ olim Webb), having married the Hon. William
Francis Spenser Ponsonby on 5th August, 1814, created Lord
De Mauley, and they requiring ten years to take possession of
* The earl died in 1811, and allowed his Catholic wife to retain
her private chaplain at St. Giles's, Dorset. Her ladyship lived till
5th Octoher, 1816. Lady De Mauley died on 5th June, 1844.
142 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THB
Canford House^ the nuns had to provide for themselves another
residence. Under the direction of their excellent friend and
chaplain, TAbbe Mar^t, they quitted Canford in September,
1825, and sailing on 14th, arrived on 24th at Torigni, on the
opposite coast of France, between Cherbourg and Coutance.
After full five years' settlement there, they moved to a
more convenient seat at Valognes in September, 1830, where
I hope they proceed prosperously. Quod fount Deus !
5. Cannington,
The Benedictine Dames of Paris, in the Champ de
I'Alouette (Lark Field), were a filiation from that English
convent at Cambray, founded in December, 1623, and which
was also a colony from the mother house at Brussels, the
first of all our continental nunneries, for it dates its origin
from the year 1587.
From the chapter archives and other documents I will
condense my historical synopsis of this interesting convent
at Paris.
In consequence of the failure of both interest and prin-
cipal of considerable funds during the civil wars in England,
and likewise the impoverished state of our English Catholic
families during that calamitous epoch of persecution, the
monastery at Cambray was reduced to such extremity, that
the very rev. president of the English Benedictines, F. Placid
Oascoigne, decided on drafting off several, and placing them
at Paris. With this view, he selected Dame dementia
Cary, and her sister Mary, with a lay sister, as harbingers,
to begin with. Accompanied by the Rev. P. Serenus
Cressy, O.S.B., they were lodged at the convent of the
Austin Nuns on their arrival at Paris, Their first appeal was
to Henrietta Maria, the queen-mother of King Charles II.,
who had been well acquainted formerly with Dame Clementia
Cary at the English court. This lady and her sister Mary
could not be the dattghters " of the great and gallant
Lord Viscount Falkland, so celebrated for his life and his
death in the time of Charies 1.'^ (as Dr. Milner asserted in
the Directory of 1796, p. 10), but hi* sisters.^ The kind
reception they met with from her majesty and suite, and
• Their father, Henry Cary, was created Lord Falkland 10th Novem-
ber, 1620, and within two years was made Yicerov of Ireland. He died
in September, 1633, leaving a son, Lucius, who tell in tlie first battle
of Newbery, 20th September, 1643, set. thirty- four. — The queen-
dowager awve mentioned was privately married to Henry Jermyn^ earl
of St. Alban's, and died at St. Colombia 10th August, 1669.
RKLIOIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 143
from the nobility and gentry of the French court, encouraged
the said F. President to send from Cambray four other choir
nuns and a lay sister; viz. Dame Bridget Moore, Dame
Elizabeth Brent, Dame Justina Gascoigne, Dame Marina
Appleton, and sister Gertrude Hodgson. All went into a
hired house prepared for them on 20th February, 1652, and
Dame Bridget Moore was appointed superioress ; for Mother
dementia Gary could never be prevailed upon, from her
extraordinary humility, to accept any office of distinction.
''We continued in hired houses,^' says a correspondent,
''until 12th March, 1664, when a gentleman (Monsieur de
Touche) waited upon us, and conducted in a coach Mother
Clementia, and some of the community, to have our opinion
of another residence that he had been looking out for us.
On our arrival we were wonderfully surprised at meeting
several of our friends there, with lawyers, notaries, architects,
and masons. We could not but express how pleased we
were with the house and its situation, when the gentleman
aforesaid led us into a private room, and thus addressed us :
' My reverend mother, it is not without mystery that I made
a particular choice of this day, the festival of St. Gregory
the Great, by whose means the whole English nation was
converted through the preaching of St. Augustine, of the
holy order of St. Bennet. So I, though unworthy, am
desirous on this day to be instrumental in beginning a
monastery of. the same holy order and nation, trusting it
will prove a work much to the honour and glory of God ;
and that this place of solitude may become a dwelling for
many souls, and true spouses of Jesus Christ, who will seek
and aspire after nothing but Him.' We returned home
transported with joy, blessing and praising God for His
infinite goodness and providence towards us. This happening
on St. Gregory's day, much increased our devotion to this
glorious saint ; and, conformably to the offering we make of
ourselves, immediately after pronouncing our solemn vows,
we add, —
" ' I, Sister N. N., do further, according to the vocation
and holy institute of this convent, offer myself and all my
actions for the conversion of England, &c., for which this
monastery was particularly instituted.' "
Into their new residence the whole community was enabled
to remove on 2nd April, 1664, and it proved to them a terres-
trial paradise for nearly 130 years, when they had to pass
through the ordeal of persecution.
Before their arrestation on 3rd October, 1793, they had to
suffer occasionally from the domiciliary visits of the French
144 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
democrats^ and others ; but they still enjoyed the consolation
of remaining alone within their own walls^ and pursuing
their routine of religious exercises. In the beginning of
December their confessor was taken from them^ and their
convent was filled with prisoners of all classes. This sadly
incommoded them; and their feelings were acutely pained at
witnessing several of these victims led off to the guillotine^
not knowing if their turn would be next, and suffering
much during their confinement from cold, and hunger, and
destitution of every comfort. On 15th July, 179 if, they
received their last domestic search, which lasted from late
that evening until the following afternoon, and then at night
hU were consigned to a dark dungeon, which their jailers had
prepared for refractory prisoners. Here they waited until
the coaches were ready to convey them to the Castle of
Vincennes, about three leagues distant from Paris. They
arrived at their destination about one o'clock in the morning,
and had then to mount to their apartments, which were four
rooms at the top of the tower. In these dreary quarters,
where they had very little light, they tasted what real
poverty was; and what added to their distress was the
alarming illness of their reverend mother. It was generally
believed that they were marked victims of death; indeed,
they fully expected this would be the case ; but the death of
Robespierre, on 28th July, 1794, prevented this consumma-
tion. Still, their miserable confinement here lasted until
7th August, when they were carted off to the convent of
the English Austin Dames in the Fosse St. Victor. Those
good ladies received them most cordially. They were to be
allowed three livres per day for each. Here, comparatively,
they were at ease ; and by management every member of the
community experienced the happiness of confession and
communion, of which they had been bereaved since 1st
December, 1793. This return of spiritual consolation was
effected on 17th January, 1795. At last permission was
obtained to have Mass celebrated. The Austin Nuns
immediately prepared an altar in their infirmary, and the
Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick, chaplain to the Conceptionists, or
Blue Nuns of Paris (who were likewise confined with them),
said this first Mass, at which all three English communities
assisted with inexpressible joy, reciting the " Veni Creator "
and " Te Deum.''
The narrative proceeds : " Our bodily sustenance became
very sparing, — a pound of meat once in ten days, very little
bread, and sometimes an egg. Salad was the only thing we
could procure, of which we partook twice a day.*' The
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 145
prioress^ seeing her community i^asting away^ after due
consultation^ applied for passports to return to England^
which, by great interest, and after much hesitation and
delay, were finally granted. The first division left Paris on
19th June, 1795. All landed safe at Dover on 3rd July,
and recognized a kind benefactress in Mrs. TunstaU, who
had prepared a house in London for their reception. They
lost no time in obtaining leave to keep the blessed Sacrament
in this house, and then resumed their choir duties, rising to
Matins at four a.m., which they had been unable to do from
24th November, 1793, till the 9th or 10th July, 1795. Here
they continued for fiilly three months. Lady Arundell, whose
tender heart had wept for their distresses, in the mean
while was arranging for their reception, Marnhull House,'^
CO. Dorset, into which part of the community was transferred
on 30th September, and soon after they became conventually
settled. Until a chaplain could be procured, in the person
of TAbb^ Pelletier, they were obliged to attend the Sunday
Mass at the village chapel ; but on the feast of the Presenta-
tion of our Lady, the community, with tears of joy, and
with grateful hearts to God, resumed their religious habit
and observances.. In 1807, circumstances rendering it
necessary for the Hussey family, the owners of Marnhull,
to resume possession, Charles Lord Clifford generously
afforded them an asylum in Court House, Cannington. This
delightful residence had special charms in their eyes, as
having been a priory of Benedictine Dames before the
suppression of monasteries in England. Here they flourished
greatly, and edified and sanctified the vicinity; here they
commenced the perpetual adoration of the blessed sacrament
on 2nd February, 1829 ; and here they opened a large and
beautiM chapel on 7th July, 1831. To the regret of* the
poor, of the neighbourhood, and the diocese, they left Can-
nington for a freehold property called Mount Pavilion, now
St. Benedict, co. Stafford. It was an estate of fifty acres,
with. a capital mansion, erected/ without regard to expense,
* During their twelve years' residence there^ a credulous magistrate, of
the name of Frampton, waited upon these religious ladies, and informed
tliem that he must search their premises for Napoleon Buonaparte, who
he was credibly instructed lay concealed there,^ — that he had a painful
duty to perform, — ^that resistance was unavailing, as he had abundant
force to oack him, and demanded their keys and aid. to apprehend the
king's enemy. The search was rigorously made, but proved abortive.
On quitting, the prioress assured him she was not surprised at the
result, — ^that her convent at Paris had been as strictly searche4 for«
William Pitt by the French authorities, and with similar success !
146 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
by Lord Tarn worth; and was purchased on 21st March^
1835, for jE5y^30. Into this charming residence the com-
munity removed early in August, 1836.
During their residence at Caunington, nineteen members
were buried.
I may now be permitted to furnish a list of the prioresses
from the beginning.
1. Bridget More, a descendant in a direct line from the
immortal Sir Thomas More. She was elected 20th February,
1652; after governing the house for thirteen and a hidf
years^ she was released from superiority. Ob. 12th October,
1692, set. eighty-three.
2. Juaiina Gascoigne, daughter of Sir Thomas Gascoigne,
Bart.,^ that venerable confessor, and niece to the president
of his brethren, F. Placid Gascoigne, succeeded 6th August,
1665, and after presiding for a quarter of a century, died in
office, 17th May, 1690, set. sixty-seven.
3. Agnes Temple, elected 24'th May, 1690, and for twenty
years successively held the reins of government. In August,
1714, she was re-elected, and served eight years longer.
Ob. 3rd July, 1726.
4. Agatha Gillebrand, elected 6th August, 1710, and
presided for four years. Ob. 10th February, 1726.
5. Mary Buckingham succeeded in 1722, and administered
for one quadriennium. Ob. 14th March, 1732.
6. Christina Witham was prioress from 1726 to 1734.
Ob. 3rd September, 1740.
7. Mary Benedict Dolby followed for four years. Ob.
16th April, 176-.
8. Mary Ann Woodman, elected 6th August, 1738 ; and
continued superioress for twenty-eight years. Ob. 23rd March,
1780, aet. eighty-four.
9. Mary Magdalen Johnson, elected 6th August, 1766, and
died in office, 13th June, 1784, at. fifty-nine.
10. Mary Clare Bond, elected 14th September, 1784.
Ob. 22nd November, 1789, «t. fifty-three.
11. Theresa Joseph Johnson, elected 11th January, 1790;
whose painful pre-eminence was characterized by the most
exemplary resignation to the divine pleasure, and by the
most tender charity to all her spiritual children. She died
in ofiice 31st August, 1807, aet. fifty-five.
12. Theresa Catharine McDonald, elected on Michaelmas-
• He survived his two reverend Benedictine brothers, Placid and
Michael, and closed his holy life at Lambspring Abbey in 1686, eet.
ninety-three. I hope to see engraved his beautiful portrait at the
chapel-house, Cheltenham.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 147
day^ 1807 ; resigned from illness within two years^ and died
29th November, 1831.
13. Mary Bernard Frost, elected drd September, 1809;
died in office, 26th April, 1813, aet. thirty-three.
14. Mary Benedict Hardwidge succeeded. Ob. 2nd March,
1823.
15. Mary Clare Knight, elected 6th May, 1818, and
under whose government the house has singularly prospered.
To her courtesy, I am proud to acknowledge myself princi-
pally indebted for the substance of this article.
6. Spetisbvry.
This monastery of Austin Nuns was founded at Louvain,
in 1609, under the title of the Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, St. Michael and St. Monica. At the suppres-^
sion of religious houses in England, Sister Elizabeth
Woodford, a professed nun of the Augustine priory at
Dartford,^ in Kent, retired abroad, and was admitted into
St. Ursula's monastery, of the same order, at Louvain. In
process of time, this Flemish community received several
English ladies, whose exemplary fervour and religious pru-
dence won for them the general esteem and confidence. One
of them. Sister Margaret Clement, aunt to Dr. Clement,
dean of St. Gudules, Brussels, grew into such favour as to
be elected, in 1569, prioress of the community, then
consisting of nearly eighty members. This circumstance
induced many other ladies of the English nation to conse-
crate themselves to God under her government. It was,
indeed, edifying to witness, that national distinction caused
no difference in their mutual charity ; that all were animated
but with one heart and one soul ; that in the midst of holy
poverty, all was content, peace, and happiness.
At the expiration of thirty-eight years, the Rev. Mother
Clement was permitted to resign her dignity of abbess, and
within two years later, the increasing wants of this numerous
community called for a division of the members. After
much deliberation, it was agreed to establish a separate
English monastery in the place. With the aid of friends, a
respectable residence was obtained, into which the reverend
* This convent of St. Margaret, as the common seal showed, was
founded by King Edward III. about the year 1855, and was in such
repate, accordinj^ to Dugdale, that " the best and noblest families of the
country sent their relatives both for education and as nuns." Bridget,
the fourth daughter of King Edward IV., took the veil here. Jane
Vane, or Fane, was the last prioress, and was granted a pension of
£66. 138. 4d. Her twenty-three subjects were also pensioned off.
L 2
148 HISTORICAL KEPORT OF THE
and venerable^ and even fcant^rf* Mother, Margaret Clement^
Catherine Allen, niece to the immortal cardinal of that
name, Margaret Garnet, sister to F. Henry Garnet, S.J., of
happy memory, Elizabeth Shirley, Barbara Wilford, Mary
Welsh, and Elizabeth Dunsford, were enabled to remove on
10th February, 1609. Within a few months their numbers
were increased from the mother house, and on 19th November
that year they proceeded to the election of a prioress,
viz. : —
1. Mary Wiseman. She was the daughter of Thomas
Wiseman, of Broadoak, Essex, by Jane Yaughan, his wife.
She died in ofSce on 8th July, 1633, set. sixty-three. About
four years before her death, she had the consolation of
settling, on 14th September, 1629, a filiation of nine of her
subjects at Bruges, under Mother Frances Stanford. This
community still flourishes there in all its integrity.
2. Mary Magdalen Throgmorton, of Coughton, was elected
22nd July, 1633. A splendid Remonstrance was presented
to her by her family and friends, bearing on its foot this
inscription : —
*'£x liberalitate Amicomm Margaritco Ma^dalense Thrngmorton,
PriorisssB per 20 annos Monasterii S. Monicie, Religiosarum Anglarum
Lovaniie, Anno 16C0."
Her end was peace on 26th October, 1668, rel. fifty-six,
aet. seventy-eight.
8. Mary Winded Thimelby, of Imham, succeeded. Her
death occurred 3l8t August, 1690, ffit. seventy-two, rel.
fifty-five.
4. Marina Plawden, of a family fruitful of religious of
both sexes. After twenty-five years of superiority, she rested,
in our Lord, 1st November, 1715, aet. seventy-eight, rel.
sixty.
5. Mary Delphina Sheldon was the next prioress, and died
in office, 23rd February, 1727, aet. sixty-six.
6. Mary Genevieve JVorthingtan governed the house for
seven years, when Grod called her to her recompense on
20th November, 1734.
7. Mary Cecilia More, who retained her dignity until her
happy death on the feast of St. George, 1755.
8. Mary Aurelia Crathome, of Ness, co. York, professed
12th June, 1701, was elected prioress in the seventy-first
^ * Towards the decline of life she was afflicted with blindness.
Her death occurred in the New Convent, 26th May, 1612 ; Rel. 43.
The MS. history of her life relates that she had received a superior
education, and was well versed in the Greek and Latin languages.
REXIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 149
year of her age, and died 19th April, 1762, »t. seventy-
eight.
9. Marina Smithy elected prioress the same spring, and died
in office 20th February, 17S4, set. eighty-two.
10. Mary Benedict Stonor (sister to Frances, who married,
first, Thomas Giflfbrd, of Chillington, Esq. ; second, George
Gary, Esq., fourth possessor of Tor Abbey, and died Ist
August, 1808, 8Bt. sixty-three) was professed 5th May, 1755,
and elected to govern her house in critical times. Forced
at last to abandon her beloved convent with her dear com-
munity on 28th June, 1794, they took ship at Rotterdam on
5th July, and on the 17th reached Greenwich. Bishop Douglass
found them an asylum in Hammersmith for the next five
months, when they removed into the abbey-house, Amesbury,
the last day of the same year ; and on the first day of the
new one resumed their choral services. At the expira-
tion of their term of five years they were enabled to take
possession of their present convenient mansion-house and
premises at Spetisbury, near Blandford, and on Christmas-
day, 1799, resumed their former conventual observances.
This venerable prioress resigned her office two years before
her death, which took place amidst the regrets of her
attached sisters on 13th May, 1814, set. seventy-eight, rel.
fifty-eight.
11. Mary Frances Tancred was elected prioress 14th April,
1812, and died in office 6th October, 1818, aet. seventy-seven,
rel. fifty-four.
12. Aioysius Joseph Tuite professed at Louvain 24th Octo-
ber, 1793, being then twenty-one years old. Her merits
occasioned her election ; but she resigned in her tenth year
of office, and died a few months later, on 10th May, 1828 ;
at. fifty-six, rel. thirty-five.
13. Catherine Berington succeeded 11th February, 1826;
her kind attention to my inquiries and researches I can
never forget. Under her government the school greatly
prospered, and the convenient and spacious chapel was opened
on 8th September, 1830. In the midst of a most useful life,
she was attacked with influenza accompanied with inflamma-
tion, and was carried off most rapidly on the night of the 6th
February, 1848. But she met death with the same serenity
as she had ever lived, aet. fifty-nine. R. I. P.
14. Elizabeth Poynter (niece to the truly learned and
exemplary Bishop Poynter, whose praise is in all the churches)
is the present prioress, and promises to rival all the merits
of her worthy predecessors. Her election took place l7th
February, 184«.
150 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
7. Stapehifl
In page 42 I have briefly alluded to the establishment
here of the Trappist Nuns. It was first organized in the
Valais, Switzerland, in 1795. In 1798 the successes of the
French armies compelled them to abandon their monastery
of La Sainte Volont^ de Dieu, and to retreat for safety into
Germany^ and afterwards into the Russian dominions. The
Emperor Paul I. and his consort received them with every
mark of condescension; but, shortly before his majesty's
barbarous assassination on 12th March, 1801, they had
deemed it expedient to look for refuge in England, which
they reached in the course of that year. For ten months they
resided at Hammersmith; thence they removed to Burton,
near Christchurch. To their superioress, Madame Marie
Rosalie Augustine de Chabanne, Henry, the eighth Lord
Arundell, generously offered his property of Stapehill, of
which she took possession on 13th November, 1802.
On the night of 3rd May, 181 8, the monastery was exposed
to imminent danger by a fire that broke out in the outhouses.
The damage was estimated at £1,400. — (See the abbesses letter
in the Catholicon of the time, p. 79.) The confidence of the
abbess in God's merciful providence was manifested on this
occasion.
Pope Leo XII., who governed the Church from 28th Sep-
tember, 1823, until his saintly death, 10th February, 1829,
taking into consideration the awful number of deaths in mem*
bers of this community, too often the victims of privations
and rigours beyond the strength of human nature, authorized
a mitigation of their rule. This was adopted under the direc-
tion of the late Bishop Collingridge, and the beneficial effects
of this altered discipline are apparent in the health and com^
fort of these children of penance.
The community now consists of eighteen choir nuns and
seventeen lay sisters. Their worthy director. Father Andrew
Hawkins (of whom more in the second part), has also the
charge of the congregation of the missioui which numbers
about 180 souls. In page 42 I have mentioned their new
and convenient church, opened on 16th July, 1851."^
SUPERIORS.
1. Madame de Chabanne before mentioned, bom at Lozere,
in Gascony, 19th May, 1769, professed in the Cistercian
* When some old walls were pulled down to make room for this new
church, hiding-holes were discovered. In one had previously been
found a chalice with its paten.
BELIOIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 151
monastery of St. Antoine, at Paris, 3rd June, 1787. Released
from prison by tlie death of Robespierre, she sought refuge
in Switzerland, was placed at the head of her religious sisters,
accompanied them in all their emigrations, and continued to
administer to their comfort, until she was called to her crown
13th June, 1844, set. seventy-six.
2. Mary Joseph Troy succeeded. — N.B. The elections are
triennial.
3. Bev. Mothier Aloysim O'Brien.
4. Rev. Mother Josephine Campion was elected in 1851,
and ia the present prioress.
8. Sales Home.
This invaluable institution of Visitation Nuns may be said
to be of English growth; its first house was at Acton,
near London, a mansion purchased by Mrs. Mary Frances
(olim Markham), relict of Cuthbert Tunstall, Esq. After six
years' residence there they removed to Shepton Mallett in
1810. Their first superioress, Louise Therese Oranden, resign-
ing 19th March, 1804, and their second superioress, Theresa
Chantal Hurard, returning to France in 1816, they were suc-
ceeded by Mary Sales Weld, who took the habit on 27th
January, 1805. At the end of three years' government, Sister
Mary Francis Den, was elected ; and at the expiration of her
triennium, the Rev. Mother Weld was recalled to office. On
17th May, 1831, she removed firom Shepton Mallett to far
more eligible premises for situation, convenience, and salu-
brity. During their residence there, a period of full twenty
years. Dr. Coombes, the pastor of Shepton Mallett mission,
was their enlightened director; and in his chapel- vault he
allowed the remains of thirteen of the community to be
deposited, as also those of their most pious and charitable
foundress, Mrs. Tunstall.
I may now subjoin an accurate list of the prioresses of
this interesting community : —
1. TTierese Chantal Hurard was elected at Acton House
above mentioned on 19th March, 1804, re-elected in 1807.
Seeing the convent rooted and flourishing, she returned to
France, and died at Dijon 3rd March, 1829, aged eighty-one,
prof, sixty. This good mother had been accompanied to
England by Sister Magdalene Angela Heugue for the purpose
of organizing this Visitation convent; but the latter died
11th February, 1812, set. sixty-six, prof, forty-five.
2. Mary Sales Weld was elected superioress 7th June,
1810; re-elected 3rd June, 1813; ditto 28th May, 1819;
ditto 23rd May, 1822 ditto 22nd May, 1828 ; ditto 2nd May,
152 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
1831; ditto 4th June, 1840 ; and lastly, Ist June, 1843—
altogether presiding twenty-one years.
3. Mary Francis Den was elected 30th May, 1816; re-
elected 19th May, 1825; ditto 15th May, 1834; and again
11th May, 1837.
4. Mary Francis Angela VaugJian was elected 28th May,
1846, re-elected 24th May, 1849.
5. Mary Francis Sales Weld (olim Clare Weld, and sister
to the above-mentioned superioress, who received her profes-
sion 25th August, 1813) was elected 27th May, 1852; re-
elected 24th May, 1855.
9. St, Gregory's Monastery at Doumside, near Bath.
In the " Rambler " of December, 1850, I commenced a
series of papers on the truly venerable English Benedictine
congregation ; and the very first chapter was devoted to iUus-
trate the history of the Gregorian Convent and College at
Douay, from the year 1608. To that report I must refer
the reader of this compilation. Like the rest of the Catholic
establishments in France, these good Benedictines had to
drink the chalice of Jesus to the very dregs. Forced to
emigrate in 1793, they experienced a welcome reception at
Acton Bumell, a seat of Sir Edward Smythe, the fifth baronet
of his family.* There they continued for twenty years pur-
suing their conventual and collegiate life, when an eligible
opportunity presenting itself of purchasing Downside, they
availed themselves of it, and on 25th April, 1814, the com-
munity entered into possession. This epoch was duly com-
memorated a quarter of a century later (25th April, 1839),
when the Smythe family generously invited all the Bene-
dictines who had been educated at Acton Burnell to enjoy
their hospitality in that ancient mansion. Of the nineteen
Benedictines then in England, fifteen attended that happy
re-union of friends and brothers. To the generous foundei^
of that cordial and gratifying festivity, I believe, that re-
compense will be made at the resurrection of the just.—
Luke xiv. 14.
All true English Catholics must rejoice and praise Ood at
witnessing the increasing prosperity and renown of this estab-
lishment. In page 62 I have cursorily noticed the services
its members are doing to religion, and shall confine my
attention to the list of its priors since the French Revolution.
• Ob. nth April, 1811.
t I regret to learn that Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, this sixth
baronet, died on 11th March, 1856, aged bixty-eight.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 153
1. James {Jerome) Sharrock. — He was younger brother
of Prior William (Gregory) Sharrock^ on whose promotion
to the see of Telmessus (of whom more hereafter in the
second part)^ he was by unanimous voice elected in 1780. Like
his saintly brother^ he had the talent of gaining the hearts
of all his subjects. Forced by the iniquity of the times to
abandon his monastery^ he found an asylum at Acton Burnell.
His episcopal brother^ anxious to secure such an associate in
the government of the Western District, applied to Borne for
him. The selection was approved, and I have seen the Bulls
expedited on 19th April, 1806, constituting him Bishop of
Themiscyra ; but the humility of the good prior could not be
prevailed on to accept the mitre, and he died at Acton
Burnell in the arms of his beloved monks, on 1st Aprils 1808,
at. fifty-eight.
2. Richard (Peter) Kendall, a priest of great merit. He
had hardly completed the purchase of Downside, near Bath,
for the present convent and college, when, I believe, he was
translated into the eternal Tabernacles, on the 26th Marcb^
1814.
3^. Thomas Lawson was elected 10th May, 1814, and was
the first prior of Downside. He resigned the office on 23rd
July, 1818, and ended his useful life at Salford Nunnery^ on
23rd April, 1830.
4. Luke Barber. — He received the habit from the hand of
Prior James Sharrock, and took the religious name of Bernard,
26th April, 1807. During the twelve years of his govern-
ment St. Gregory's College wonderfully prospered. On 10th
July, 1823, he opened its new and elegant church, which, as
he truly thought, should be the principal object of attention
in every well-regulated community. On the death of F.
Lawson his services were required to supply the station at
Salford, and Stanbrook subsequently. In 1842 he was, to
the joy of his friends, elected president and created D.D. ;
but to my inexpressible grief he suddenly passed away, God
giving sleep to his beloved servant on the 29th of December,
1850, in the sixty-first year of his age, and thirty-sixth of his
priesthood.
5. George Turner, — After serving the Bellingham mission
for thirty years, this experienced clergyman was elected
prior on 24th November, 1830. After nearly completing his
* I have given the history of this excel] ent convent, founded at Cam-
bray 162d,inthe**Ranililer"of June,1851. At tlieir emigration in 1795,
they went first to Wootton, near Liverpool, thence removed to Abbot's
Salford, in Warwickshire, in 1807, but wisely transferred themselves in
May, 1838, to their presenteligtble situation at Stanbrook, nearWorcester.
154 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
quadriennium^ he was appointed director to the convent
at Princethorpe, near Coventry, and there the venerable man
rested from his labours on 15th February^ 1854, aged eighty*
four.
6. Thomas Joseph Brown, D.D. — Of this eminent luminary
of our English Church I shall have to treat largely in the
second part. He was chosen prior on F. Turner's retirement,
18th July, 1834, and his six years' government, until his
merits summoned him away to become the first Bishop of the
new vicariat of Wales (to which he was consecrated 28th
October, 1840), greatly redounded to the fame and prosperity
of the college.
7. Joseph Wilson. — I have briefly referred to this able
priest, in page 58. This fit successor to Dr. Brown exerted his
characteristic energy for the good of his establishment. He
commenced with obtaining the royal charter for enabling its
^Ikves to graduate in the London University. During his
fourteen years' administration he endeared himself to all by
his business-like habits, and considerate attention to the
comforts of all under his charge.
8. James (Norbert) Sweeney^ since his election in July,
1854, emulates the merits of his able predecessors.
10. Dominicanesses at Haripury,
This English community of the Rosary was first established
in 1661, at Vilvorden, seven miles from Brussels, by the
Hon. and Rev. Philip Thomas Howard, O.S.D. He began with
three ladies trained in the Dominican Nunnery at Temsche,
near Bomhem, but on the other side of the Scheldt. His
sister Henrietta joined them, with several other persons of
distinction ; but for the first quarter of a century they had
to encounter many inconveniences and difSculties. But their
founder, now a cardinal, was enabled to purchase for them a
commodious house in Brussels, into which they were trans-
ferred in 1690, and here these good religious pursued the
even tenor of their way until 22nd June, 1794, when the
rapid approach of the French armies compelled them to
speed their flight towards their native country. On 16th
July they reached the British shore in safety, and on 2nd
September found a comfortable asylum in Hartpury Court,
near Gloucester, for the next forty-five years. On 19th
September, 1839, they removed to their present convenient
residence at Atherstone, in the county of Warwick. I
proceed to offer a list of the prioresses, after premising that
Dr. Milner incorrectly stated in the Directory of 1795, p. 20,
RELIGIOUS E8TADLI8HMENTS. 155
that Henrietta, the founder's sister, ever presided over the
convent.
1. Lucy Hurlock, one of the three religions taken from the
nunnery at Temsche, in 1661, was declared prioress by the
founder, and served the office for six years.
2. Barbara Boyle for thirty consecutive years governed
her sisters, and removed with them from Yilvorden into
Brussels. With a short interval for repose, she was called
upon to serve the office for two other trienniums.
3. Mary Crofts was prioress from 1697 to 1700.
' 4*. Dorothy Canning, the first of the convent professed at
Brussels, supplied from 1703 to 1706.
5. Ann Bushby was elected in 1709.
6. Agnes Atmore governed the convent altogether for nine
years, but not continuously.
7. Constantia Mildmay, elected in 1715.
8. Mary Rose Howard, of Norfolk, niece, I apprehend, of
the cardinal, succeeded to superiority in 1721 for three yeara.
9. Letitia Barber was elected in 1727.
10. Julia Broum followed in 1730.
11. Mary Ann Chilton electeA in 1733; re-elected in 1736.
12. Mary Theresa Sarsfield elected 1739, and died in
February, 1740.
13. Mary Young was substituted for the deceased prioress.
14. Margaret Joseph Compton elected in 1742; re-elected
in 1751.
15. Mary Agnes Short governed the house for a very long
period ; but owiog to the loss of documents I cannot speak
with precision. In all probability she presided from 1745 to
1751 ; and then from 1754 to 1780. She died 10th December,
1782, set. eighty- three, prof, fifty-two.
16. Mary Hyacinth WilHnson elected 1780. Ob. 27th
December, 1789.
17. Dominic Brooke elected 1783; re-elected in 1789. Ob.
8th March, 1816, aet. eighty-seven, rel. sixty.
18. Mary Ann Calvert, elected 1786.
19. Mary Louisa Aligood, elected in 1792, was under
the painful necessity of abandoning her beloved convent, and
with her children looking for refuge in England. She re-
signed in 1803.
20. Mary Magdalen Bastow was elected in 1803 ; re-elected
in 1821, again in 1830 ; died in office.
21. Catherine Theresa Dartan elected in 1806 and 1815.
Ob. 8th February, 1824, set. seventy, one, prof, thirty-four.
22. Mary TJieresa Leadbitter elected in 1809, 1824, 1832.
Ob. 2l8t August, 181^, act. seventy, rel. fifty-eight.
156 HISTORICAL EKPOftT OF THE
23. Mary Rose Stowers, elected in 1812^ again in 1818.
Ob. 2nd April, 1847, aet. eighty-five, rel. fifty-eight.
24. Mary Dominica Stennet elected in 1827 and 1835. Ob.
5th June, 1848, aet. seventy-five, rel. fifty-four.
25. Mary Hyacinth Malthouse, elected in 1838 ; and the
next year conducted her community to Atherstone^ viz. 19th
September, 1839.
11. The English Liege Nuns of the Holy Sepulchre.
This respected community from Liege is entitled to notice
in these pages, by having taken up their residence at Dean
House, Wiltshire, from the year 1796 until they transferred
their establishment to New-hall,* Essex. They had justly
acquired the renown of giving a superior education to young
ladies of the first distinction ; and thus deserved the protec-
tion and encouragement of all well-regulated governments.
But the vertigo of infidelity had cast to the winds all right
principle, and visited with proscription the best benefactors
to their fellow-creatures. These ladies found it necessary for
their personal safety to retire from the approaching hurricane
of the French revolutionists. After incredible privations and
fatigues, they reached Greenwich on 18th August, 1794;
remained in London two months ; thence proceeded to
Holme Hall, in Yorkshire; then happily transferred them-
selves to Dean House, Wilts, in 1796. Here they continued
to render incalculable services by their admirable system of
education until January, 1799, when they exchanged the
locality for New Hall.
In its early days the community experienced in Mrs. Mary
Ward a zealous friend and benefactress. This lady was
daughter of Marmaduke Ward, Esq., by his wife Ursula
Wright. Her death occurred at Heyworth, near York,
on 20th January, 1645, set. sixty ; and her funeral in the
adjoining churchyard was marked by unusual respect and
honour.
I may now ofiFer the regular succession of prioresses.
1. Susan Hawley was canonically chosen perpetual prioress
• It appears to have been built by the Butlers, earls of Onnond.
King Henry VUI. purchased it of the Boleyns for a royal residence,
and erected a noble gateway, inscribed thus : —
Henricus Rex Octavus, Rex inclytus annis
Magnificus, struxit hoc opus egregium.
The gateway has been destroyed^ but the inscription and escutcheon
may be seen in the convent cliapel. The famous GeneriJ Monk resided
hei-e.
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 157
on 25th November^ 1652; she had entered religion at Tongres
in 1641. Thence, with some other English ladies of the
same order, she had removed with Rev. Mother Margaret,
mistress of novices, into Liege, to commence a convent of
their nation. When that reverend mother, who had been
regarded as superior, returned to Tongres, Mrs. Susan
Hawley was appointed ad interim to replace her before the
above canonical election. She held oflSce forty-seven years,
and lived to the advanced age of eighty-four, dying on
Christmas-day, 1706.
2. Marina Doleman presided for thirty years, and died in
office 25th September, 1722.
3. Susan Raucroii.—She died 6th October, 1739, »t.
seventy-one.
4. Christina Percy died 10th January, 1749, aet. fifty-
eight.
5. M. Xaveria Withenbury died 29th May, 1775, set.
eighty-two, prof, fifty-three, having held her dignity twenty
years.
6. M. Christina Dennett died 12th July, 1781, set. fifty-
one.
7. M. Austin Westby died 8rd March, 1786.
8. Ahysia Clough, for thirty eventful years endeared
herself to her subjects by her exemplary prudence, conde-
scension, and amiable manners. Almighty God called away
the venerable lady on 6th July, 1816, at New-hall, at the age
of seventy- nine. She had been a religious fifty-nine years
and five months.
9. Elizabeth Mary Regis Gerard, eldest daughter of
Sir Robert Gerard, Bart., was elected 16th July, 1816, and
governed the house until her lamented death, 13th June,
1843, set. seventy-two.
10. Ann Mary Clifford, elected 22nd June, 1843; but
was prematurely taken off on 14th January following,
set. seventy-four, prof, fifty.
11. Theresa Joseph Blount is the present reverend mother
of this flourishing community.
12. Convent of ofur Lady of Mercy, Dighton Street, Bristol.
This establishment was founded on 20th February, 1846.
The first superior was Sister Mary Jane Frances Beau-'
champ, who governed the house to which she had been a
principal benefactress. She was succeeded in office by
Sister Mary Stanislaus Savage, elected 24th May, 1855.
Attached to the convent is a house of refuge, where
158 HISTORICAL REPORT OP TH«
servants out of place are received until they can be provided
with suitable situations. Part of this house is occupied bv a
limited number bf orphans^ who aie fed and clothed by the
nuns. Is not this pure and undefiled religion before God
and the Father?
13. Monastery of La Trappe, at Lullworth, Dorset.
The original house of our Lady de la Trappe was an
ancient Cistercian monastery, situate in the diocese of Seez,
in Normandy. By degrees its inmates had notoriously
degenerated from the primitive fervour of their institute^
when the Almighty inspired a distiuguished ecclesiastic,
Armand Jean le Bonthillier de Ranee, to revive the spirit of
their founders. This extraordinary man had renounced all
his prospects and fortune to embrace a poor and penitential
life, and his admirable example and zealous persuasions pro-
duced the happiest reformation amongst his brethren and
disciples. He lived to see his monastery become the admi-
ration of the Christian world, and so deeply did he siuk the
foundations of his own religious spirit in the hearts of his
subjects, that no appearance of decay was visible when the
monastery was swept away in the hurricane of the French
B^volution.
That blessed solitude had special attractions for devout
souls, and we find many illustrious characters in church and
state impatient to visit it, and dwell for a time in the shade
of its peaceful cloisters. Here King James II. made his
annual retreat, and learned to despise earthly grandeur, and
to aspire after that which is eternal. Here Archbishop
Beaumont, the Athanasius of France, armed himself with
fresh zeal and constancy to combat infidelity, and face the
persecution of courts and parliaments. Here that gem of the
episcopal order, Monseigneur de la Motte, used joyfully to
repair to burnish up his spiritual weapons, and, like the hart,
to take in copious draughts of fervour to run the course of the
divine commandments. ^
When we read the rules of La Trappe, nature startles, and
is disposed to censure what it has not courage to imitate. But
the love of Jesus Christ crucified softens and subdues every
difficulty, and makes these victims of penance exult in their
multiplied austerities. These devout solitaries have ever
present to their mind the moving example of their blessed
Redeemer, of St. John the Baptist, of the martyrs, of the
fathers of the desert; they treasure up the maxims of self-
denial and renunciation recorded in the Gospel, — ^they arc
RELtOIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 159
convinced of the great difficulty of salvation ; in the silence
of human passions they meditate on the hatred which Grod
bears to sin^ and on the eternity of hell's avenging flames. / /
Hence they imbibe a sincere attachment to their happy ' ^
vocation, and are firmly persuaded, with St. Paul, that all
the penitential rigours of this life are much too light for the
joys of heaven. Let any one read, '' Relation de la Vie et de
la Mort de quelques Religieux de La Trappe (Paris, 1755),^'
and he will be delighted with the cheerful service of these
holy penitents, — he will rejoice that the Almighty Father is
so much honoured by His children, — his notions of the
efficacy of grace cannot fail to be exalted, — he will feel a
contempt of all that passes with time, be encouraged to lead
a penitential life, and to sanctify himself in his particular
calling.
ABBOTS OF OLD LA TRAPPE.
1. JoAn, the founder, already mentioned, was professed
26th June, 1662; ob. 27th October, 1700, aet. sixty-five.
King Louis XIV. allowed him, five years before his resigna-
tion and death, to appoint his successor —
2. ZozvnMJiAy called in the world Peter Foisel. — He was a
native of BellSme, and was professed 19th August, 1681 ;
in the course of 1695 was nominated abbot \ but died after
a short illness, on 3rd March following.
3. Gervaise Armand Francois succeeded; but at the
expiration of eighteen months consented to resign his
dignity. He survived till 1751, having attained his ninety-
first year. — (See art. Gervaise (Dom. Armand Fran9oi8),
Feller's Diet. Historique.)
4. Jacques de la Cour was appointed abbot towards the
close of 1698, abdicated his office in 1713, and died 2nd
June, 1720. At the petition of the duke of Tuscany, he
sent a colony of his religious to the old Cistercian Abbey of
Buon Solazzo, near Florence, in 1704.
5. Isidore DermetOres, professed 25th May, 1698; installed
abbot in January, 1714, and died in office 24th June,
1727.
6. Franqois Atigustin Gonche, professed 9th November,
1716; appointed abbot 5th September, 1727; died 11th
September, 1734.
7. Zozime Hurel, professed 3rd October, 1707; nominated
abbot late in the year 1734; died 7th February, 1747.
8. Malachy Le Brun for more than twenty years governed
the community with the highest reputation for zeal and
wisdom. He was the bosom friend of La Motte, the vene-
160 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE
rable bishop of Amiens. We learn from the life of that
saintly prelate^ that a destructive fire took place in the abbey
in 1664. The good superior survived this trial about two
years, dying 10th June, 1766.
9. Theodore. — In him the desert of La Trappe witnessed
the becoming successor of so many worthy predecessors in
ofBce. He died, I conjecture, in 1783.
10. Pierre died at the end of the year 1789, when his
authority descended of right to Louis Marie Rocourt, abbot
of Clairvaux. Seeing that the revolutionary storm was
ready to burst, that the religious would be scattered, and
that the conventual houses and estates would be seized, and
sold as national property, he authorized Dom. Augustin
Lestrange, the master of novices, by letter of 12th May,
1791, to abandon his monastery, and repair to an old
Carthusian abbey, called Val-Sainte, within the canton of
Friburg. On the 1st of June that year, he entered that
asylum with about twenty religious; and shortly after.
Pope Pius VI. confirmed Dom. Augustin in the dignity of
abbot. For a further account of this persecuted man, see
the Address in the Ordo of 1813.
A colony of six monks from this Abbey of Val-Sainte
arrived in London during the month of August, 1794«.
Their superior, Dom. Jean Baptiste de Noyer, had received
his appointment the preceding year. Their intention was to
proceed forthwith to Canada; but Providence had other
designs upon them. The late Thomas Weld, Esq., always
ready to assist and harbour the harbourless, invited them to
Lulworth, where they arrived in October, 1794, and placed
them in the chaplain's house near his castle. Here they
remained till March, 1796, when they removed into a new
monastery in East Lulworth, which he had provided for
them in a dry and sheltered situation, — the very reverse of
the old house of La Trappe. It was dedicated under the
name of the Holy Trinity and St. Susan, and here they
increased and prospered. The first prior was John Baptist,
already mentioned. He quitted England in the summer of
1801, when he was succeeded by Dom. Marie Bernard
Benoit, who died in July, 1805. Dom. Maur Adam was the
third prior ; but he was hurried to the tomb in May, 1810.
Then was called to the helm a very distinguished character,
Dom. Antoinc Saulnier de Beaureaund, a quondam canon of
Sens Cathedral, and in every sense of the word a superior
man. Pope Pius VII., in consideration of his merits, raised
him, in May, 1813, to the rank of abbot, and as such he
was blessed by Bishop Poynter, in London, in the August
RBLlGIOtTS ESTABLISHMENTS. 161
following. Under his direction. La Trappe attracted the
attention and wonder of all classes. E^ery unprejudiced
visitor'* must have departed from the sight of these holy
men, delighted with their indefatigable industry, their admi-
rable frugality, and their cheerful and unaffected piety.
And yet persons were found who frightened themselves into
the persuasion that their example might contribute to the
multiplication of such establishments in Protestant England.
Had they reasoned, had they inquired, their terrors must
have vanished ; for in all Catholic France, before the Revolu-
tion, there was but one single convent of La Trappe ! Until
the beginning of 1816, these good religious had experienced
the most profound tranquillity, when they had to feel expe-
rimentally the force of Christ's words, " A man's enemies
are those of his own household." One James Fower,t a
native of Waterford, after seven years spent in the order,
decamped towards the end of January, 1816, and soon after
publicly abjured the Catholic faith in the parish church of
Blandford. Not satisfied with this scandal, the heartless
man, on 16th March that year, swore to several charges,
as may be seen in the Appendix. But the imprincipled
apostate was soon after summoned before the tribunal of
Heaven, to answer for his hypocrisy, false testimony, and
violation of his solemn vows. The result of the business
was, that the abbot, with much reluctance, decided on trans-
porting his establishment to France, as soon as circumstances
would permit. On application to the French authorities,
permission was granted, and Lewis XYIII. assisted the
abbot in purchasing the ancient Bemardine Convent and
domain of Melleray, in the diocese of Nantes, and sent
the La Revanche frigate to Weymouth, to take on board
their community, as idso a lugger to convey their goods and
chatties to France. On 7th July, 1817, this band of holy
monks, fifty-nine in number, embarked, reached the French
coast on the 23rd, and entered their new monastery, with
imposing solemnity, on 7th August. There, as at Lullworth,
they proved a daily source of benediction to the surrounding
* Havinff had the comfort and blessing of witnessing their fervid
piety and their industrious and penetential life in the years 1810 and
1816, 1 conld not help comparuig what I saw and admired with a
description of a monasterv of penitents, as described by St. John Cli-
macus. It is truly in such places men learn how to live and how to
die. The reader will be edified with the account of a visit made here,
as detailed in vol. v. of the CJathoUeon^ as also with the visit of the
lamented Princess Charlotte of Wales, in the same volume^ p. 242.
t See Appendix No. VII.
M
162 HISTOaiCAL REPORT OF THE
country by their virtues and superabundant charity.*^
(2 Kings vi.) During their stay at Lullworth, they buried
l-wenty-seven of their brethren; viz. seven priests^ thirteen
ohoir-religious, the rest postulants or lay-brothers.
I have remarked^ that the abbot quitted his peaceful
abode with reluctance. He was a man of deep penetration,
and he was far from being at his ease as to the political
horizon of France. But he had a precious flock to feed^
guide, and protect. How they occupied themselves at
Melleray, and what good they rendered to society at large,
is set forth in the letter of Monsieur Richer describing his
visit ; which may be seen in the first volume of the " Catholic
Miscellany" of 1822, pp. 108-155, 202-269. But Prance
proved herself unworthy of possessing such meritorious,
patriotic, and edifying fathers of the desert. The cancerous^
revolutionary spirit of France had extended to the provinces,
and though the political authorities were eager, in the early
part of 1831, to dissolve the establishment, still the firmness
of the abbot, who stood upon his rights as a French citizen,
and a proprietor of the house of Melleray, kept them at bay.
But, after nine months' annoyance and menace, more than a
thousand troops entered the abbey, on 28th September, 1831,
with drawn swords, loaded muskets, and fixed bayonets, and
commanded the saintly inmates to be driven from this
earthly paradise; with difficulty could sixty-four (another
account says seventy-eight) of this community that were
British subjects obtain license to remain until the British
consul at Nantes was able to procure them a passage to their
native country. From the 5th of October none of the
brethren were suffered to wear their religious habit, or to
say Mass, but in their chambers, and no two persons were
permitted to pray together I On 12th November the British
* 1 believe that no individuals with the same amount of means can
exercise so much charity as the monks of La Trappe. When France
was devastated with famine and epidemy in 1709, the poor and infected
of an immense district looked to La Trappe for relief and comfort. In
that year more than 80,000 persons received assistance from that single
convent ! In one day no fewer than 1 2,000 persons were relieved ! The
heroic sacrifices of the monks raised them above all praise as men, as
citizens, and as Christians. — See the above-quoted work, ** Relation de
la Vie,'^ &c., vol. v. p. 28. After paying a visit to La Trappe, Monseig-
neur La Motte, writmg to a friend, thus expresses himselt : *' Je dis k
M. le Cardinal Ministre, one je voyais en quatre jours les deux extr^-
mit^s du monde, la cour d un grand roi, et le monast^re de La Trappe.
Je recommandai beaucoup cette Sainte Abbaie, ou avec 18,000 livres de
rent (£720) on trouve, par les ressources que foumit la frugalite, le
secret de nourir 150 personnes et de recevolr jusqu'4 deux milles hotes
par an."
r
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 168
Trappists, guarded by an armed escort^ were conducted^ like
so many malefactors^ to Nantes^ where they arrived the same
evenings and were quartered at St. James's Hospital. On
19th November, in spite of their repeated protestations, they
were put on board a steamboat, and descended the Loire.
At length they embarked on board the H6b6, which con*
veyed them to the cove of Cork, where they landed on
St. Andrew's Day. During their voyage, were they not
justified in applying to those infidel and inhospitable rulers
of France the words of iEneas : —
'* Quod genus hoc hominum? Quern hunc tarn barbara morem
Perraittit Patria? Hospitio prohibemur arencel'*
But they saw the will of God in everything. In reward of
their meek submission, God, who holds the hearts of men
and is truly wonderftil in his holy servants, raised up a host
of benefactors. The principal was Sir Richard Keane, a
Protestant, who granted to them 560 Irish acres of waste
land in the parish of Cappoquin, near Dungarvon, within the
coimty of Waterford. He foresaw that, by their industry and
taste and indomitable energy, the land would be reclaimed,
and a spirit of enterprise enkindled in the people. The
extraordinary change of that bleak country reminds us of the
words of Isaiah (chap. xxxv. 1, 2) : Lsetabitor deserta et
invia, et exultabit solitude, &c. &c.^ The foundation-stone
of their new abbey was laid with great solemnity on 22nd
August, 1833. I thank Almighty God, the Father of the
poor, for having bestowed the blessing of such an establish-
ment on faithAil Ireland ; as also for having vouchsafed, in
his mercy, to restore to our own dear country, through the
pious generosity of Ambrose Lisle PhiUipps, Esq., a monas-
* In the Dublin Evening Post of 16th June, 1896, 1 read that the
Right Rev. Abbot Rvan, of this new monastery, had given notice in the
DMm CrouUe of his having planted 9,012 trees of various kinds
around his premises. The reaoer would be gratified with the report
of a « Visit to the Abbey of Mount Melleray, in Ireland," in " Tait's
Edinburgh Magazine" of March, 1887.
In the ^S^ of 28th February, 1838, is given the account of a meeting
of the directors and proprietors of the Irish waste lands, at Broaf
street, London, holden the preceding day, Lord Devon in the chair.
Major Beamish, in moving that the report then read be adopted, stated
that ** the monks at Mount Melleray had obtained a grant of 600 or
700 acres of waste from Sir Richard Keane ; and not only had they
succeeded in raising fine crops of rye, turnips, potatoes, &c., but on
adjacent district of 5,000 acres, which had been an unprofitable waste
to the proprietor, was now tenanUd^ and under cultivation. (Cheers.)'*
This Abbot Vincent Ryan, such a benefactor to his native country,
died 9th December, 1845.
M 2
164 HISTORICAL REPORT OP THB
tery of the same institute^ near Loughborough^ county
Leicester. And how it must have revived the heart of their
venerable patriarch, Dom Antoine, the old abbot of Melleray,
to hear these glad tidings of his children, before Ood called
him to himself I Thus the Lord blessed the latter end of
his servant more than his beginning.
14. The Passionists and Dominicans at Woodchester.
In pages 121 and 127 I have briefly alluded to this
monastery. Having obtained more detailed information, I
proceed to submit it to my indulgent readers.
William Leigh, Esq., of Woodchester Park, near Stroud,
whose praise is in all the churches, anxious to extend the
blessing of Catholic faith in his neighbourhood, decided on
establishing a religious community on his property. At the
recommendation of Bishop, now Cardinal, Wiseman, he in-
vited P. Dominic, the vice-provincial of the Passionists, to
meet him, and to fix on an eligible site for a church and
monastery. On 9th Pebruary, 1846, P. Dominic reached
Woodchester Park, where he was heartily welcomed by
Mr. Leigh and his family. A proper selection of a site
being concluded on, Mr. Leigh, desirous of losing no time,
engaged for the temporary accommodation of the community
a mansion called Northfield House, Porest Green Village,
near Nailsworth, about a mile distant from the site of the
intended monastery. On 24th March, 1846, P. Dominic, in
the company of Brother Thomas, took possession of this tem-
porary abode, and on the next day, the feast of the Annuncia-
tion of Our Lady, P. Dominic, for the first time, celebrated
the holy sacrifice in a room hastily fitted up, in the presence
of six Catholics. Pour days later two other Passionists
joined them, and on the following Sunday they had a public
service. P. Dominic delivered a discourse to about twenty
Catholics, several of whom had come from distant places.
Por the holy week they fitted up, for a temporary chapel, a
large room, previously occupied as a Dissenting school-room
(for these premises belonged to a Dissenting minister), and
on Palm Sunday P. Dominic preached three several times.
This zealous father, writing at a subsequent period, expresses
himself thus : — *' The concourse of people to our little chapel
from the very first has been great ; so much so, that it could
not afford sufficient accommodation. Surely all do not
attend with good dispositions ; some to criticize, some through
curiosity, and finally, some to disturb the devotion of this
little congregation. However, with patience and perseverance^
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS. 165
we have been enabled to get on. Several Protestants have
been received into the bosom of the Catholic Church (the
first of whom is already dead and buried where the new
church is being erected) ; many are under instructions^ and
amongst others, a person of great piety, Mrs. Evans, who,
from the first arrival of the religious here, has shown a
maternal charity towards us.'' By the end of the year 1846,
the community was increased to ten ; some were engaged in
the afiairs of the house— others were occupied in administer-
ing to the spiritual concerns of the rising congregation.
In page 121 I have described the laying of the foundation-
stone of the new church of the Annunciation of our Lady
on 26th November, 1846, the solemn consecration of the
sacred edifice on 10th October, 1849, and its glorious opening
on the following day. On Sunday, 14th October, Dr. Ulla-
thome, after assisting at High Mass, preached an admirable
sermon. On the same evening, after solemn vespers, F.
Ignatius (Spenser) commenced, for the benefit of the congre-
gation, a course of spiritual exercises, which concluded on the
following Sunday.
I must not omit to state that on Tuesday, 20th March,
1849, the community had removed from Northfield House to
a large cottage. Park-hill, above the new monastery, which
Mr. Leigh had fitted up for a temporary residence. But as
there was no sufficient room in it to serve as a chapel for the
increasing congregation, the spacious room over the sacristies
of the new church was prepared for this purpose.
On 7th October, 1850, the Passionists removed from Wood-
chester to Broadway, in Worcestershire, having several Pro-
testants under instructions. In 1846 they had reconciled 4
io the Catholic faith, 12 in 1847, 11 in 1848, 14 in 1849,
and 21 in 1850. Total, 62.
Their first superior at Woodchester, as we have seen, was
F. Dominic, a man of superior merit, known in the world as
Domenico Barbieri: he was born near Yiterbo on 4th August,
1793 (another account states on 22nd June, 1792) ; took the
religious habit of the Passionists on 14th November, 1814,
and made his profession on 15th November of the following
year. Dr. Wiseman, who had made his acquaintance at
Rome, having been consecrated Bishop of Melipotamus 8th
June, 1840, and coadjutor to Bishop Walsh, V.A. of the Mid-
land District, invited his zealous friend F. Dominic to come
over and establish a congregation of his order in England.
He consented, and made two journeys for the purpose. In
the second, after staying five months at Oscott College, he
was put in possession of Aston Hall, near Stone, on 17th
166 HISTORICAL REPORT OF THB
February^ 1842, where his brethren immediately begaa to
foUow the regular observances of their institute. From this
mother-house he was enabled to colonize Woodchester, and
Poplar House, London, since his death removed to the
Hyde.
F. Dominic, beloved of God and man, went about doing
good to all, like his blessed Master ; and like St. John the
Baptist, giving knowledge of salvation to his people by the
remission of their sins. The following narrative of events,
which occurred shortly before his arrival at Woodchester,
must edify the reader : —
'' On Michaelmas-day, 1845, he received into the church
at Aston Hall Mr. Dal^dms, now one of the Oratorians at
Birmingham. On 9th October next ensuing he admitted
Dr. Newman, under the following circumstances : — Mr. Dal-
gaims, on his return from Aston to Littlemore, near Oxford,
wrote to the rev. father to come thither without delay. He
started at once, and arrived as an outside passenger by the
coach to Oxford, at ten p.m. on 8th October, completely
drenched with rain. He was met at Oxford by Messrs.
Dalgairns and St. John, who accompanied him to Littlemore.
The first words they uttered were that Dr. Newman, their
master and friend, had decided on following their example.
This announcement made him forget the fatigue of his
journey. Stepping into a oonveyance, they reached Little-
more by eleven that night. The rev. priest was introduced
into a parlour, and whilst standing by the fire to dry his
clothes Dr. Newman entered, and kneeling at his feet and
begging his blessing, entreated him to hear his confession,
and receive him into the Church of Jesus Christ. F. Dominic
was moved to tears ; and after a short interval proceeded to
hear his general confession. On the following morning
Messrs. Bowles and Stanton made their confessions also, and
in the evening all read the profession of faith in the private
chapel of the house. On the 10th of October F. Dominic
celebrated Mass there, and administered the holy communion
to Dr. Newman, and Messrs. Dalgairns, St. John, Bowles,
and Stanton. He was afterwards introduced by Mr. Dalgairns
to Mr. Woodmason, his wife and two daughters, who begged
the benefit of his ministry to be reconciled to the Church.
All this was accomplished to their mutual comfort. When
F. Dominic first saw Dr. Newman, he said, good-humouredly,
^Little more, and you will be right.' ''
The duties of vice-provincial obliging him, in January,
1847, to resign the government of his little community at
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHlilSNTS. 167
Woodchester, he appointed for his successor F. Maroellian^ of
St. John the Evangelist, an Italian, called in the world John
Anthony Pini. He was born on Christmas-eve, 1819, and
was admitted to his rdigious profession as a Passionist on
10th August, 1837. He had been sent by his general to
England in the spring of 1845, and within a twelvemonth
later was called by F. Dominic to Northfield House. He
was certainly a man of great promise ; but his constitution
was very delicate, and he was prematurely cut off on the
morning of 14th March, 1848, an^ his precious remains were
deposited in Mr. Leigh's vault, under the chapel of the Forty
Martyrs, which I have mentioned in page 127.
This regretted superior was succeeded by F. Vincent, of
St. Joseph, who continued to preside at Woodchester until
their removal to Broadway. I conclude this narrative by
a brief notice of the end of the saintly F. Dominic, who died,
alas I too soon for others, but not for himself, at the Railway
Hotel, Beading, on Monday afternoon, 27th August, 1849.
He had started that morning from St. Joseph's, Poplar House,
in the company of F. Lewis, an Italian Passionist, in order
to visit his dear religious at Woodchester. For some time he
must have been suffering from ossification of the heart. The
travelling brought on such excruciating pain, that he was
obliged to be lifted out of the train at the Pangboum-station.
As the cholera was then prevalent in England, and his attack
was presumed to be cholera, he was refused accommodation
at the inns, and was obliged to lie for an hour on a little
straw in a cottage. How this must have reminded him of
the suffering babe of Bethlehem. At the arrival of the next
train he was lifted in and conveyed to Beading, where, at the
Bailway Hotel, he experienced, every attention. But his
complaint was beyond all human succour, and about three
P.M. he slept in the Lord. The corpse that evening was
removed to London, and thence to Stone, in Staffordshire.
On the following Friday, Slst August, the community of
Aston, in all fifteen religious, and the Bev. John Harkness^
of Swynnerton Park, met at the Catholic chapel at Stone,
and after a solemn High Msiss started in procession from the
chapel to Aston Hall, a distance of two miles, followed by an
immense multitude, who conducted themselves with the
utmost decency and respect to departed worth. When the
procession arrived St. MichaePs Church, Aston, the coffin
was placed in the centre, and the Bev. John Harkness deli-
vered a most impressive discourse, which drew abundance of
tears from the audience and spectators. On the conclusion of
163 HISTORICAL REPORT^ ETC.
the burial service, the coffin was deposited in a vault pre-
pared on the gospel side of the sanctuary, where it awaits a
glorious resurrection.
F. Eugene, of St. Anthony, whom the general of the
Fassionists had delegated to be his visitor, arrived in England
during the month of August, 1850. He much objected to
Mr. Leigh's wish, that his community should be charged with
the care of a secular congregation, and that the church should
also be parochial. It was then amicably arranged that his
Passionist brethren should be removed to Broadway. During
these negotiations the Dominicans were actually holding their
provincial chapter, where the propriety was debated and
agreed upon, of establishing a novitiate, where the rule of
St. Dominic should be in all things strictly observed. The
locality of the novitiate was to form the subject of considera-
tion for the next day. But behold I that very evening Mr.
Leigh, who knew nothing of the Dominicans before, having
merely seen some of them at the opening of Mr. Haigh's
beautiful church at Erdington, co. Warwick, that summer,
came and offered the premises at Woodchester for their ac-
ceptance. The providence of God appeared so manifest in
the transaction, that there was little hesitation in embracing
the offer ; and accordingly F. Augustine Procter, accompanied
by brother Lewis Weldon, on 8th October, 1850, took pos-
session, and was soon after joined by F. Augustine Midtus
and some postulants. In the next summer the vicar-general
of the Dominicans, the very Bev. F. Vincent Jandel, made a
visitation of this province, and shortly after sent over F.
Thomas Burke from the convent of Sancta Sabina, as vice-
master of novices. I praise and bless Almighty God for the
bright prospects opening to religion in this convenient and
spacious monastery. Under the presiding genius of the
present superior, F. J. Dominic Aylward, I anticipate a host
of luminaries, like the Kilwardebys and Trivets of ancient
davs in England. Will no one attempt to do justice to this
noble order, and supply that great desideratum — an Anglia
Dominicana ?
169
CHAPTER XV.
REPOBT TO OOYERNMBNT OF THB CATHOLIC PROPBRTT, IN 1715
AND I7l8y IN THB8B SIX WBSTBRR COUNTIBS.
ComwalL
Richard Arundell^ Esq.
William Plowden, Esq *
Richard Rawe^ of St. Colombe^ Esq.
Thomas Rawe^ of St. Cleather
William Couche^ of St. Sampson
Nicholas James^ of Newlyn .
James Lincolne^ ef ditto
Richard Rawe, of St. Colombo
John Hanne^ of Cardinham .
Margaret Hayman's Annuity out of St. Maw-
gan in Pydre
John Pearse, of St. Mawgan in Pydre
William Rawe^ estate in Pillaton^ in possession
of John Pickard
Mary Evans^ estate in Pydre^ in possession of
William Pearse
John Pearse^ of St. Ervan
Julian Pearse^ of ditto .
John Randal^ of St. Mawgan in Pydre
Henry Lord Arundell .
John Hussey, !E!sq.
Richard Crossmaa^ of Cardinham .
N.B. The blanks had not yet registered their estates.
JE737 2 2i
67 11 7
5 10
104 6 4
9 19 10
5
241 9
4 16
4
17 10
23
16
17
67
22
18
97 18 10
Devonshire.
Hugh Lord Clifford £596
WiUiam Salisbury^ of Alwington . .17
Edward Southcote, of Bliboro'^co. Lincoln, Esq. 231
William Thorold, of Little Panton, in co. Lin-
coln, Esq. 55
7
13
44
8
♦ The property of W. Plowden, I imagine, was partly at Trelask, in
Lewanick parish, and partly at Upton, in St. Winnows, and Carhays
St. Michaers. It had belonged to the Trevanions.
170
REPORT TO GOVERNMENT
Wm. Hall^Covent Garden, Middlesex^ grocer . £24
Margaret Green, of Elworthy, spinster . . 30 4
Edward Gary, of Tor Abbey, Esq. . . . 812 17 10
Edward Blount, of Blagdon, Esq. . . . 175 8 7i
William Culcheth,* of King's Teignton . . 12 4 10
Henry Lord Arundell 124 6
George Arundell, of Croscombe . . . 7 15 3
GilesChichester, of Arlington, Esq. . . 124 6
Clement Tattershall, of Paignton, Gent. . 30 7 9
Jane Tattershall, of King's Kerswell . . 80
Henry Tattershall, of Paignton
Laurence Tattershall, of Berry Pomeroy, Gent. 87
Thomas Tucker^ of Newton St. Cyres . . 10
Mary Coughton, of Arlington, widow . . 33
John Snow, of Berry Narber . . . 29
Thomas Bowe, of Staverton . . • . 47
Osmond Mordaunt, of Stoke Fleming . . 45
Frances Kirkham, of Newton St. Cyres , . 220 6 2i
Thomas Cranmer, of W. Teignmouth, cooper 5 5
Dorset.
John Hussey, of Marnhull, Esq.
George Arundell, of Benville, Gent.f
John Arundell, of Netherbury, G^nt.
Henry Lord Arundell, Baron of Wardour
Stephen Peck, of Stower Provost, yeoman
Jeffry Lodder, of ditto ....
George Penn, of Weston, Esq.
Martin Lodder, of Stower Provost, yeoman
Rebecca Hussey, of Marnhull, widow
140 7
94
45
284 6 4i
3 15
269 4
46
* He was great grandfather of the present Parmenas Pearce, of
Teignbridge, Esq. He was of the ^ood old family at Culcheth, co.
Lancashire, which estate, by the marriage of Melior, an heiress, passed to
the Diconsons and Scarisbricks. By his wife, Clara Giffard, who had
died three months before him (he died 10th December, 1739), he left three
children, — Thomas, who died coelebs at Newton Abbot SOth December,
1769 ; Clara, who married Mr. James Puddicombe ; and William, who
married, on 21st June, 1764, Jane Coleman, and died 17th September,
1801, eet. eighty-three, leaving Mary, an only child, who married Par-
menas Pearce,Esq., SOth November, 1795. Dying 20th December, 1841,
in the fortieth year of her widowhood, she is represented by her only
surviving son, Parmenas, born lOth February, 1798.
t I observed, in the parochial register of Whitchurch Canonicorum,
to which Chidiock is a daughter church, that George Arundell, of
Netherbury, had been buried at Chidiock 20th April, 1682, and Mary
Arundell, of ditto, gentlewoman, was buried at Chidiock 6th Novem-
ber, 1080.
OF CAflTHOUC PB0PKRTY.
171
Bartholomew Keepers^ of Langhom, yeoman
Martin Biddlecombe^ of Merrjtown, Hants
Alice Petwin, of Watleton, oo. Oxford, spinster
Jcihn Early, of Mannington, yeoman
Mary Strickland, of Canford Magna, widow
Elizabeth Frampton, of Kingston, widow
Mary Bndden, of Longham, spinster
Winifred Wareham, of St. Andrew's, Holbom,
estate at Croscombe, occupied by F. Allen
George Harcourt, of Xlake, yeoman
Edward Brown, of Bradpole, yeoman
Thomas Daniel,^ of Chidiock, yeoman
John Mullins, charged under Somersetshire
John Colmer, of Chidiock, yeoman
Anne Freke, of Chidiock, widow
Barbara Develin, of Chidiock
John Wakely, of ditto, yeoman
Elizabeth Copthome, of ditto
Francis Norris, of ditto, yeoman
Ann Mayrs, of ditto
Edward Matthews, of ditto
Richard Orchard, of Yenbay, yeoman
Honourable Charles Stourton
Thomas Knipe, of Sembly, co. Wilts
Dorothy Bams, of Stourton, widow
Henry Wall ....
William Lodder, of Stour Provost .
Gilbert Lodder, of ditto, blacksmith
Thomas Wilkins, of Tisbury, Gent.
James Prim, or Trim, of Moorton .
Thomas Champion, of Sutton, Gent.
Margaret Lacy ....
Jane Lacy
Jane Strode, estate of Stoke Abbas
Denny Metch, of Over Moigne, yeoman
James Browne, of Wells, Mercer .
John Brown, of Bothenhampton
Mary Brown ....
Mary White, of Bradpole, widow .
Richard ArundcU, of Lanheme, Esq.
Henry Wells, of Brambridge, Hants
. £ 8
. 20 15
18
5
. 24
. 30
. 10
4
8
8
\ 77 10
7
2
10
46
6
.* 10
1
. 15
28
8
39
. 15
2
5
12
. 27
6
3
9
. 30
4
11
\ 4
5
. 14
40
6 10
. 10
. 82 10
9i
16 10
. 31
15
8
10
. 10
. 10
. 256
1
1
6
6
* At the east end of Chidiock charchyard is an altar tomb to the
parents of this Thomas Daniel. His father, Thomas Daniel, had died
9th January, 1670, let. sixty-six ; his wife Margaret survived until
dOth January, 1680, O.S., sDt. eiehty-nine. They must have witnessed
the siege and dismantling of Chidiock Castle.
172
&EPOBT TO OOVERNUENT
Humphry Weld^ of LuUworth Castle, Esq.
Agatha Morgan, of Stower Provost, widow
Sir Joha Webb, of Great Canford, Bart.
Mary Long, of Mumphin, co. Wexford, widow
Richard Oold, of Odstock
Elizabeth Clarke, of Motcombe, spinster
Eleanor Wilson, of Bridzor, widow
Henry Lacy, of Wardour, Gent.
Isabella Brayne, of Swillets, widow
£S46 2 21
1,030
339
7
17
2
10
16
40
6
1
Somerset.
John Acton, of E[indley, oo. Lancaster .
Henry Lord Arundell
Mary Barnes, of Stourton, spinster
Walter Barnes, of Bode in Gasper, Gent.
Francis Came, of Bath, Gent.
Francis Cottington, of Fonthill GHfford, Esq.
Margaret Coffin, of North Cadbury
Thomas Clifford, of Cannington, Esq.
John Cottington, of Goodmanstor, Esq.
Thomas Davies, of Stower Provost, Gent.
Mary Evans, of Wells, spinster
Charles Fairfax, of York, Esq.
William Gillder, of Chidiock, Dorset, Gent.
Dorothy Green, estate at Willet, in the parish
ofElworthy
Margaret and Mary Green, of Willet
Gabriel Green, of Morchard Bishop, Devon
John Hussey, of Mamhull, Dorset, Esq.
Margaret Harvey, of Waves Wotton, co. War.
wick, widow . . . .
John Horton, of Woolverton, Gtent.
Samuel James, of East Harptree .
Thomas Knoyle, of Sampford Orias
William Knight, of Cannington
(George Kenton, of Shepton Mallett
John Molins, of Bishop's Hull, Gent.
Joseph Pearoe, of Wells, inn-holder
Elias Pearce, of Wells, baker
Anne Poyntz, estate at Carhampton
William Richardson, of Gasper
Robert Rowe, of Leighland, Esq. .
Samuel Richard, of Holwell, Esq., and his wife
Elizabeth
John Stibbs, of Bath, Gent. .
6
2
37 6
246
20
4
103 19
60
23
375 17
120 3 7
3 10
208 2 4
60
88
8
16 Oi
19
31 2 6
50
209 6 7
2 11 6
17
100
8 10
104 5 2
20
22 6
54
3
323 1 8i
246
45 2
66
199 4
8
23 8
2
10 19
18
1
2
380 15
4i
16
200
OF CATHOLIC PROPERTY. 178
Thomas Stourton^ estate at Bonham . . £74 8 4
Edward Southcote^ £sq.^ of Bliborough^ co.
Lincoln^ Esq.
Humphry Steere, estate at Sandford
John ancl Maud Stodden^ of Shiverton Sto-
gursey 28
Joice Shephard, of Weston^ juxta Bath^ spinster
John Taunton, of West Ly dford, mercer
John Taunton, estate of, Bedminster
Thomas Taunton, of West Lydford, yeoman .
Henry Wall, of Stourton ....
James Lord Waldegrave ....
Margaret Woolmer, estate at Burcott, St.
Cuthbert's parish
Henry Waldegrave, Esq., annuity .
Wiltshire.
Mary Anne (Q. Hanne ?), of Sutton Mande-
ville .......
Henry Lord Arundell, of Wardour . 1
Richard Bruning, of Winchester, Gent. .
George Brookman, of Ansty, yeoman or weaver
Mary Butt, of Bridzor ....
Francis Cottington, of Fonthill Gifford, Esq. .
Gaynor Cruise, of Wootton Bassett, widow
Edward Gary, of Tor Abbey, Esq. .
Elizabeth, Countess Dowager of Castlehaven .
Francis Came, of Bath, Gent.
Anne Cruise, of Greenhill, widow .
Mary Coffin, of Stourton, widow .
JohnCottington, of Goodmanston, co. Somerset,
Esq. . : . . . .
Thomas Champion, of Sutton Mandeyille, lea-
ther-cutter
John Dancastle, of Binfield, Berks, Gent.
William Estcoiui;, of Bumham, Esq.
Edward Famhill, of Fonthill GifFard, Gent. .
John Hussey, of MamhuU, co. Dorset, Esq. .
John Horton, of Woolverton, co. Somerset,
Gent
John Haylock, of Tisbury ....
Matthew Haylock, of Bridzor
Mary Jenkins, of Wardour Castle, spinster
Susannah Kenyon, of Bath, widow .
John King, of Warblington, Hants, yeoman .
44 10
,396 18
3
6 16
8
1 12
3
795 4
8
64
560 13
6
537 12 10
11
30
50
110
6 16
94
224 9
28
2 5
4
5
4
20
15 10
19
20
10
174 REPORT TO GOVERNMENT
Thomas Elnype^ of Semley .... £24
George Knype, of Semley .... 30
Abigail Kyngsmill^ co. Bucks^ widow . . 100
Jefiry Lodder, or Lodge, of Stower Provost,
yeoman . , 30
Richard Lee, of Hasledoa 68
James Morgan, of St. Giles's, annuity out of
Ansty mansion 20
William Moore, of St. Giles's, co. Middlesex,
estate of Hedington, in possession of Anthony
Brook 130 2 6
Anne Perkins, from Cheesegrove estate, in pos-
session of William Green .... 7
Thomas Bippen, or Pippin, of Bridzor, yeoman 13
Bartholomew Smith, of Winchester, Esq. . 12
Mary Watson, of Bestford, co. Worcester,
spinster 20
Catherine Watson, of ditto .... 100
Charles Woolmer, of Fonthill Giffard, Gent, . 15
Thomas Wells, of Brambridge,. Hants, Gent. . 200
John Wright, of Kelvedon Hall, Essex, Esq. . 12
Simon White, of Wardour Castle ... 20
Cecil Wilson, of Bridzor .... 52
Eleanor Wilson, of ditto, widow ... 12
Sir John Webbe, of Great Canford, Dorset . 405
Gloucestershire.
Rowland Bartlett 220
Richard Bartlett . . . . . 2
Anne Bartlett . ... . . .50
Richard Blore 1
Mary Bubb . .... . .24
Margaret, Mary, Frances, Conquest, and Eli-
zabeth Brent . . . ... . 457
Mary Cassy 42
Francis Canning 50
Charles Eyston 197
James Fermour 80
Richard Fermour 200
Margaret Oreen wood 75
Charles Greenwood 73
Giles Harding 10
Anne Hinde 31
Matthias Harris 4
Jane Hvnson 1
10
15
10
10
6
10
10
2
13
4.
8
5
12
4
19
4
4
8
5
16
8
7
6
OP CATHOLIC PROPERTY. 175
Benedict Hall £680
John Jemegan .... . 814
Francis Jemegan 80
Anthony Kemp 215
John Latham 18
Richard Latham 6
Ann Dame Litcott 91
John Moore 284
Robert Needham 8
Thomas Neville and wife .... 1,162
John Paston 727
William Reeves 25
Mary Shirman 2
Edward Sheldon ]
Anne Simons 28
Earl of Stafford* 350
Mary Smith 50
Ann Stafford 140
Sarah Trinder 26
12
1
4
19
9
13
8
12
6
14
8
6
2
15
8i
14
Oi
* This must have been Henry Howard, son of William, Viscount
Stafford, legally murdered for Gates's ^lot, on 21)th December, 1680,
set. sixty-eifi[ht. King James II., in consideration of his father's suffer-
ings ana noble descent, on 5th October, 1688, created this Henry, earl
of Stafford, with remainder, for want of issue male, to his brothers John
and Francis, and their issue male respectively. On his death, in April,
1719, s.p,^ the earldom descended to his nephew William, the son of
John, by his wife Ann Holman. This second earl died in France,
January, 1734, leaving an only son and heir, William Matthias : he
died, *./>., in February, 1761, when the title devolved on his uncle John
Paul, at whose death, 1st April, 1762, set. sixty-two, without issue
male,* the viscounty and earlaom of Stafford ended with him ; but the
barony of Stafford was claimed by Sir William Jerningham, of Cossey,
Bart., as lineally descended from the Lady Anastasia, the fifth sister of
the first earl : and after much unreasonable delay, the House of Lords^
on the 6th of July, 1825, resolved, that Sir George Jerningham, son
and heir olthe late Sir William (who had died 14th August, 1809), had
fully made out his claim to the title, dignity, and honour of Baron
Stafford. Our readers are aware that the said Lady Anastasia married
George Holman, of Wark worth, co. Northampton, Esq., — that William,
the second Earl Stafford, married his first cousin, Anne, daughter
to George Holman, Esq., by his wife the Lady Anastasia, — that his
sister Mary married Francis Plowden, Esq., — and that their daughter
and heir, Mary Plowden, married in 17di3 Sir Geoive Jerningham, Bart.,
the mother of Sir William and grandmother of Sir Greorge Jerning-
ham, the seventh baronet, who established his claim to the barony of
Stafford.
* His lady, Elizabeth, daughter of John St. Albyn, of Alfoxton, co.
Somerset, Esq., survived her lord until 25th January, 1783. The reader
will be edified and delighted with the account of her conversion in the
Memoires of La Motte, Bishop of Amiens, vol. ii. p. 95.
176 REPORT TO GOVERNMENT^ ETC.
Charles Trinder £26 9
John Talbot 65
John Yaughan 41 14 8
JohnVaughan 171
John Wright 81 8 lOJ
Joseph Wakeman 39
Henry Wall 47 5
Benedict Wakeman 875 15 8
Henry Wakeman 40
John Webster 795 9 6
177
CHAPTER XVL
TABLS8 or S17CCB88IOX OF TBB INCUMBBNTS OP THB PRINCIPAL
MISSIONS IN THB COUNTIBS AFORESAID.
In the days of persecution, when the pastors were afraid
of keeping registers, lest they might furnish evidence of their
priesthood, and imperil those who harboured them — ^wheu
the clergy could have little intercourse with each other, and
bishops could but seldom perform their visitations, the
wonder ceases, that it is such a difficult task to make out
the succession of our Catholic incumbents. Most of the
regular and secular clergy were private chaplains; some
were itinerant missionaries over a wide extent of country^
without any fixed abode — shepherds to use the words of the
Prophet Ezekiel (xxxiv. 12) ''to seek out the sheep and
deliver them out of all places, where they have been scattered
in the cloudy and dark day.'' In vain have I attempted to
form out the list of incumbents at Lanheme, Arlington,
Stourton, Hatherop, Canford, and several other ancient
missions; and for the present must be contented to enrol
what disjointed names I can recover, in the second and Bio^
graphical part of this feeble compilation.
1. Incumbents of Axminsler.
In page 26 I have given the origin of this mission.
1. Rev. William Sutton, after thirty-two years' residence,
died here 23rd January, 1800. See his Biography in the
second part.
2. Messrs. le Blaise and le Mare, two French imigrisy
divided the pastoral duty between them, until the treaty of
Amiens, 25th March, 1802; soon after which they returned to
France.
8. VAhbi de la Brecque succeeded. Ob. 3rd February,
1819, set. sixty-nine.
4. Sev. Charles Haly, from 2nd July, 1819, until his
resignation, 5th September, 1821.
5. Cornelius Magraih, who left at Midsummer, 1824.
6. Robert Piatt arrived on 1st October, 1824; was trans-
ferred to Lanheme at Christmas, 1826.
178 TABLES OP SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS.
7. Jonathan Purtong supplied till Michaelmiis^ 1827*
8. Robert Gates followed until August, 1828.
9. Henry BUey from 29tli August, 1828, until he left,
28th April, 1884, to take charge of the Plymouth mission.
He opened the new chapel of St. Mary on the feast of the
Assumption, 1831.
10. John Larkan arrived on 2Sth April, 1834; but on
17th July next ensuing was ordered to Torquay.
11. Charles FUher, who had arrived on 17th July, 1834,
was o£f to Lyme in the first week of October following.
12. Peter (TLouffhlin foUowed on 8th October, 1834, but
Irom iU health waa obliged to leave before Christmas-day that
year.
13. John Ahyriue Gregory Swabrick arrived from Christmas,
1884 ; but quitted for Lyme, when he was replaced by
14. Henry Norrington, on 27th October, 1887. This ex-
eellent priest died here on 8th December, 1848, let forty.
15. Patrick Kelly came to Axminster 2nd January, 1849,
fmd quitted at the end of a twelvemonth fcnr Salisbury.
16. Francis Keary served from iStoA March, 1850, until
he left, 12tb October, 1861.
17. Chwrle$ Cook airived 17th July, 1851, and continued
for seven months only,
18. Thomas Lynch, bom at Loughree, Galway, in 1802;
was ordained at Maynooth in 1829 : after serving Spetisbnry
and Salisbury, became the incumbent of Axminster on 10th
September, 1852, and took congi on 26th July, 1855. He
returned, however, on 10th November, but quitted cm 2Bd
February, 1856, to settle in his own country, at Shinrone.
19. Rev. John Toohey, who had served Bodmin from the
Lanheme Convent during a year and eight months, reached
Axminster on Saturday 15th March, 1856.
2. Bath.
Of this Benedictine Mission ab initio, {he first, I believe.
1. F. Anselm Williams, see page 55.
2. F. Bernard Quin.
8. JP*. WilUam Bannister, who died 16th May, 1726.
4. F. Prands Brumng,
5. Bight Rev, Jhr. Laurence York, 1 think, from 1732 to
1745.
6. F. Ansebn Bradshaw, for twelve years.
7. F. Placid Naylor, for nineteen years.
8. Dr. John Bede Brewer, for five years.
tkVUI^ 6P 0COCB8tnKm C>P IKtilTMBBllTS. 179
9. R Michael Pembridge, who was aUowed an assistant
priest by the chapter.
10. F. Ralph Ainsworth was chief pastor fix>in 1 796 to 1814.
11. F. James CaUerbonk, upwards of three ye4r*.
12. RiffU Rev. Dr. AuguHine BahieB, from July 1817
until his episcopal consecration^ Ist May, 1823.
18. Rev. Thomas Brindled for six years.
14. F. Ralph Mauma Cooper, from 1830 to 1846.
15. F. John Jerome Jenkins, to 1850.
16. John Clement WarMy, from 1860.
9. iFbr the Bristol Mission, seepage 108.
4. Chidiock.
1. F. nomas Pilchard, martyred 21st March, 1587.
2. F. John Cornelius, 8 J., martyred 4ih July, 1594.
8. F. Hugh Oreen, martyred 19th August, 1642.
4. F. Higgs.
6. F. ffilUam Byfleet, tiias Gildon, O.B.B4 Thisvraerable
man, at the age of 100, suffered the amputation of a leg : at
the age of 102 he baptized, at Chidiock, the late Thomas
Taunton, Esq., bom 9th June, 1745. fletiring to Bonham^
the patriarchal priest died there 19th October, 1746.
6. Richard ShimeU* died at Chidiock in December, 1763»
St. seveiri^-six.
7. PhilyB Conxion served Chidiock twenty-five years.
8. Thomiu Lewis, 8 J., altogether twenly-three years,
until his death 5th September, 1809, set. sixty-nine.
9. Thomas TUbmy, from 14th November^ 1809, till 20th
NoTcmber, 1840.
10. mUiam Peter Bond quitted for Hobart Town with
Bishop Willson 29th January, 1844.
11. F. Robert Plait suppli^ until October, 1844.
12. J^. John Ryan succeeded — opened the new chapel at
Bridport on 2nd July, 1846 ; quitted in November, 1850.
la. F. Henry O'Shea, O.SJl
14. F. J. J. Gallagher.
15. F. Basil Thomas, O.3.B., reached early in 1853, but
died 7th September, 1853, set. thirty-nine.
16. F. Jviffiid Price, O.8.B., ordained priest at Ample-
forth December^ 1849.
17. F. Placidus Sinnett, O.S.B., in 1855.
* I am credibly informed that his nephew, the Rev. Charles Shimell,
had assisted him, and even succeeded nim, but died of a rapid decline
at the Bear Inn, Exeter, in April, 1764.
N 2
180 TABLES OP SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS.
5. Exeter.
After the death of F. Richard Norris^ S. J. mentioned in
page 25^ all that I glean ia, that the handful of the faithful
here were occasionally visited by some zealous itinerant
missionaiy charged with the care of a considerable portion
of Devon. One old man of the name of John Flood, a
convert in 1745, informed me, fully forty-six years- ago, that
he remembered the Rev. Messieurs Rigby, Hussey, Williams,
Parry, and Sutton, performing divine service. At length,
about the year 1763, F. William Gillibrand, S.J., was ap-
pointed a resident incumbent, and took up his quarters with a
Mr. Truscott in the island ; the site is now occupied by the
gas-works. I have seen a letter of his, dated Exeter,
14th January, 1765. He was still in Exeter in 1768.
F. Anthony Carroll, S.J., succeeded him for about two
years; then F. Joseph Barron, S.J., who left in 1772 for
Arlington, when the Rev. John Edisford followed. Shortly
after his arrival he took a lease, at Christmas, 1775, of
Mr. Abraham Gibbs' premises in the Mint, which he
finally ajgreed to purchase on 23rd July, 1788. By the aid
of public and private subscriptions the purchase money,
iS400, was paid. A public chapel in the garden was then
considered and resolved on. Mr. Edisford assisted at the
deliberations of the committee on 19th August, 1788 ; 2nd
September, 1788 ; 4th May, 1789 ; but on the 20th November
following he was snatched away by death, aged fifty-one,
leaving a surplus of about £400, subscribed towards the con-
templated chapel.
At the next meeting of the committee, on 3rd March,
1790, at which the Rev. Joseph Reeve of Ugbrooke presided,
the Rev. William Poole, S.J., the newly-arrived successor to
the late Mr. Edisford, was duly introduced as a member.
On 6th May the foundation-stone of the chapel was laid.
Mass was first celebrated xa it on the feast of the Epiphany,
1792. On Father Poole's quitting Exeter in January, 1807,
the Rev. Thomas Lewis was transferred from Chidiock to
Exeter. He continued to ofSciate here until October of that
year, when he was relieved by the collector of these memo-
randa ; who, after forty-four years of missionary service, was
replaced by the Rev. James Austin Eccles, S.J.
'^Benedic, Domine, fortitudini ejus, ct opera manuum
illius suscipe/'--(Deuteron. xxxiii. 11.)
TABLB8 OF SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS, 181
6. Falmauih, page 30.
1. Rev. William IgnatitLS Casemore, O.8.F., arrived in
January^ 1805, and was incambcDt for thirteen years, when he
resigned, and retiring to Coxside, Plymouth, there died,
29th November, 1824, set. seventy-three.
2. UAbbi Grezille, alias Hoche, arrived 6th August, 1818,
opened the new chapel 24th October, 1821 ; and dying
17th August, 1822, was buried therein.
3. Thaddaus CfMeally arrived to succeed the Abbe, and
continued one twelvemonth.
4. Peter Hartley followed, coming from Chepstow, and
served the place until March, 1827, when he was ordered to
Poole.
5. Robert Gates resided here from Lady-day, 1827, until
13th September, 1828, when he went to Axminster.
6. Robert Piatt arrived 8th September, 1827, but left for
Swansea in January, 1831.
7. Maurice & Connor^ then tried it for a twelvemonth,
when F. Robert Piatt was appointed again, and remained in
Sossession until Saturday, 17th June, 1843, when the Re-
emptorists came in to serve the missions; but on 1st
September, 1848, they quitted it altogether for Clapham.^
Since their depstrture, there has been a rapid passage of
incumbents, as FF. Michael Carrol and John Ryan.
But see the biographical part.
7. Leighland, see p. 62.
This ancient mission was certainly served chiefly by
Benedictines.
F. Richard King, alias Scott, was chaplain to the Poyntz
family here at his death, 2nd July, 1664.
F. Bernard Millington ended his days attached to the
family, 4th August, 1667.
Other monks, FF. Joseph Berriman, Francis Mildmay
Richard Isherwood, Joseph Hanmer, or Starkey, Paul
AUanson, Anselm Geary, followed in succession; but I
cannot ascertain their length of services. William Anderson,
a Jesuit, was certainly stationed there about the year 1750.
The venerable monk, F. Bernard WarmoU, was chaplain
there in 1754-5, as one who remembered him then informed
me. He was followed by his brother Benedictines, Alfred
* It is consoline to find that at Easter, 1856, at their church of
Clapharo, they haa more than GOO communicaiits, and that their poor-
schools were well attended.
18)3 TABIiSB OF SUCCBSSiOM OF INCUMBCMTB.
Strait^ Anselm Bolton, and Maurua Barrett. Soon after
the last-mentioned left, in 1767, George Clarkson, a Jesuit,
arrived there ; but when he left for Stapehill, and finally for
his native place, Southill, near Chorley, I cannot discover.
I remember an old French Abbe, Monsieur Renoult,
coming from Leighland, in 1808, to serve Calverleigb, where
he died, 14th November, 1810; but he was not a person to
afford much information.
8. Plymauih, p. 26.
1. F. Edward Williams, whose head-quarters were at
Bearscombe, the seat of Richard Chester, Esq., in the parish
of Buckland Tout Saints, was long in the habit of rendering
occasional assistance to the faithful in Plymouth and its
vicinity. His death occurred 30th January, 1776.
2. Bev, George Baudouin was then appointed to that
charge ; but he was so alarmed at the (xordon riots in the
summer of 1780, that he quitted the neighbourhood alto*
gether.
3. Rev, Charles Timings, who had come from St. Alban's
College, Yalladolid, in March, 1782, paid ministerial visits at
Plymouth before the arrival of
4. F. Thomas Flynn, a gentleman of Herculean strength
and vigour, who became the first resident incumbent. About
ten years later he resigned his charge, in February, 1803,
to proceed to Bardstown^ in Kentuckv.
5. AbM Jean Louis Guilbert, an emigri from Normandy,
arrived from Shepton Mallett, to administer to the spiritual
wants of this increasing flock. To his credit be it said, that
he boldly undertook to lay the foundation-stone of St. Mary's
church at Stonehouse on 28th May, 1806, which was opened
for public worship 20th December, 1807 ; and he erected the
priest's house adjoining. Towards the close of 1815, he
resigned his pastoral office to return to France, where he
died 27th July, 1822, set. fifty-nine.
6. Rev, Samuel Spooner succeeded, 10th December, 1815 ;
but quitted at the end of four years and eight months.
After an eccentric life, he died in Londoii 8th August, 1839^
and was buried at Mooxfields Church.
7. L'Abb6 Alewandre Simon arrived in August, 1820; bnt
died suddenly of apoplexy on 6th of the ensuing April, in his
fifty-first year.
8. Thomas Costello, B.D., was prevailed upon by Bishop
CoUingridge to accept the charge in April, 1821. He held
it imtS 1st May, 1834, when he resigned it to
TJlBLCS op SUCCBSBION Of INC17MBBNT8. 183
9. Rev. Henry Biley, under wbose efficient management
and seal the numbers so increased^ that he obtained a coad^
jtttor^ first, in the Rev. Gteorge Bampton, who began his
missionary career 2l8t October, 1842, but left to join the
Society of Jesus 2Srd January, 1816 ; and, secondly, the
Bev. Michael Carroll, who arrived two davs later. From
declining health, F« Riley bade fareweu to Plymouth,
4th March, 1848, and died, uniyersally lamented, ak Spetia^
bury on Maundy Thursday, 5th April, 1849, set. fifty^fire.
9. Shortwood, p. 61.
Mr. William James, of East Harptree, was a wealthy
grasier, and possessed considerable property in the parish^
of East Harptree and Ninton Bluett. He had nired a
droTcr in Salisbury market, and subsequently noticing that
he did not attend the parish church, but often enga^d in
his devotions in the out-buildings, was led by curiosity to
examine his books. Their perusal induced him to ask ques-
tions, and he became so edified with the example of his
faithful Catholic servant, and so satisfied with his explaniu*
lions and instructions, that he was reconciled to the Church
of God. At his death, about the year 1720, he left three
ehiklren, who were brought up Catholics, — first, William;
second, FhiUp, who died cmkbs ; third, Elizabeth, who left
no issue.
WilUam James, jun. married Hannah, daughter of
Joseph Beaumont, a good Catholic, residing at Wells, and
who had a decent property at Stone Easton. By his wife,
a Miss Harding, he had three sons, all of whom took to the
Church ; John was a Franciscan, William and Joseph became
Jesuits, and of them more will be found in the biographical
part. Mr. Beaumont, by his will, gave his Stone Easton
estate to his grandson, John Hunt, but required that he
should assume the name of Beaumont. Letters patent were
obtained to this effect on 10th March, 1775.
Mr. William James aforesaid died in March, 1774^
leaving, by his wife Hannah (Beaumont), four daughters, —
iSixabeth, married to Mr. John Hunt; Hannah, to John
Sanders Tudor ; Mary, to Mr. Bichard Trappd ; and Ann,
who married the Bev. John Brookes, the rector of Hinton
Bluett.
This reverend and liberal-minded gentleman sold the
advowson of the church at Hinton Bluett in 1804, and some
time after embraced the Catholic faith, and was a special
benefactor to St. MichaePs mission at Shortwood. His wiQ
18 ( TABLES OF SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS,
bears date 27th April, 1824 ; his death took place 19th May of
that year, set, eighty-three, and his mortal remains repose in
Hinton Bluett churchyard.
I now proceed to give the list of its incumbents ; and for
their biography must refer the reader chiefly to the second
part of this compilation.
The first, I believe, was the Rev. Joseph Hunt, vere Beau^
mont, the son of John and Elizabeth Beaumont, after his
father had changed the name of Hunt for Beaumont, as
already mentioned. He reached England, after his educa-
tion, and receiving orders, in March, 1795, from Douay, and
resided until 1799 among his family connections, until he
accepted the mission of Usk, which he served for three years.
He was then prevailed upon, by the grand vicar, the Bev.
William Coombes, and his relatives, to come and settle among
them; On 15th May, 1806, he was enabled to open a
chapel, which he continued to serve until old age compelled
him to resign his charge in March, 1838 ; when retiring to
Clifton, he finished his earthly course there on Ist December
of that year, aged seventy-six. All his successors must hold
memory in grateful veneration.
2. John Alayrius Gregory Swabrick came and supplied
for about a month, and was off in June, 1838.
3. John Larkan, after running the gauntlet of missions in
the Western District arrived here on 22nd June, 1838, and
continued until 19th May, 1841.
4. James Dawson came in July, 1841 ; but left, 19th
August, 1842.
5. Moses Furhnff, who had often supplied from Prior
Park during the illness and absence of Mr. Dawson, now
succeeded him, and quitted for Lanheme, 12th August, 1842.
6. Thomas Danson (alias Douthwaite) followed, but left
27th May, 1844.
7. Thomas Tierney Fergusson, D.D., served the place for
about three months, when he was ordered to Tawstock^
3rd October.
8. Patrick Kelly arrived as his successor, 6th October,
1844, and left within a twelvemonth.
9. Thomas Francis Booker arrived in August, 1845, and
quitted 9t]i March, 1862, for Bridgewater.
10. Thomas M. McDonnell arrived 1st April, 1852, whom
may God long preserve !
TABLS8 OF BUCCESBION OF INCUMBENTS, 186
10. Taunton, page 61.
1. Rev. George Baudouin, died, 14th May, 1818, after a
residence of about thirty-six years.
2. Samuel Fisher, until 1822.
3. Adrian Towers from Christmas, 1822, to July, 1830;
and again from 1834, until the autumn of 1841.
4. Pierre Chanteloup served between the first and second
incumbency of F, Towers, with the exception of one year,
when,
5. Andrew Byrne supplied from 1833 to 1834.
6. John Fanning arrived 16th October, 1841 ; after nearly
seven years' residence was solicited by the bishop to take
charge of Tiverton for two years ; but returned to Taunton,
his first mission, vacant by the death of Mr. Fogarty, for
Christmas, 1850, and quitted for the diocese of Birmingham
on 30th January, 1853.
7. Henry &Shea, 1849.
8. John Fogarty, who died 3rd November, 1850, aet.
twenty-seven.
9. John Mitchell succeeded F. Fanning in January, 1853.
11. Tawstock and Barnstaple, page 27.
The death of Sir Bourchier Wrey, the seventh baronet of
his family, having taken place on 20th November, 1826, set.
seventy, the title and estate descended to his eldest son,
Bourchier, by his first wife, Anne, daughter of Sir Robert
Palk, Bart. This young gentleman had been bom at Hatton
House, 10th December, 1788, and was educated for the bar.
Having married a Catholic widow, he generously afforded
to her, and to his children by her, every facility to exercise
their religion; he fitted up a domestic chapel in Tawstock
House for their use, kept a chaplain for them, and provided
a poor-school for children to be educated in the Catholic
fiftith. Foreseeing that in the event of his death without
male issue, the entailed estate must descend to his Protestant
heirs, he readily assented to the suggestion of his zealous
wife to provide a chapel in Barnstaple itself for the benefit
of Catholics in the North of Devon.* This exemplary lady,
to whom religion wiU be ever indebted, was called to the
reward of her piety on 23rd July, 1842: R. I. P. Her
liberal husband has carried all her wishes into effect ; their
eldest daughter, Helena Carolina, married at Tawstock, on
* Since the above was written I am happv to record, on the baronet's
own authoritv, tliat he was received into the Church at Dover, by the
Rev. Joseph Savage, on 15th September, 1856.
186 TtABLBS OF BUOOXflUON OF INClTilBBim.
9th August, 1838, to Edward Joseph Wdd, the heir-apparent
to Lullworth Castle, has fully entered into her parent's views;
and by the blessing of God, and the unceasing exertions of
their present chaplain, Oanon Brindle, a yery handsome
church has been dedicated on the 24di Octob^, 1856, and
solemnly opened on the ensuing day by Archbishop
Errington and Bishop Yaughan, assisted by nine priests,
amidst a yast concourse of respectable attendants. Never
did Barnstaple witness such a spectade before. May the
word of God increase, and the number of disciples greatly
multiply, and many of the ministers become ob^ent to the
fiiith, as it was in Jerusalem ! (Acts yi. 7.)
The first chaplain at Tawstock House was the Rev. Peier
Hartley, who, after serving Chepstow, Falmouth, and Poole,
arrived at Tawstock in July, 1827, and continued his services
until 20th November, 1829, when he quitted for Weymouth*
But on the subsequent resignation of his successor here, he
was prevailed upon to return and resume his pastoral duties,
from the latter end of 1882 until the July following.
The 2nd, William Aloysiua (yMeara, &omNovenu)er, 1829,
to July, 1831.
The 3rd was the Rev. John Williams, who officiated from
9th July, 1881, to the winter of 1832, when F. Hartley was
reinstated. Mr. Williams resumed the charge of this
mission on Dr. Fergusson leaving it, early in 1846; but
finally left it on 31st May, 1849.
4. Maurice (y Connor came in July, 1888; but hurried
away in May, 1835,. and finished his course in Trinidad,
December, 1840.
6. Leonard Calderbank was incumbent from 12th June,
1835, to 20th September that year.
6. Michael Brancie Crowe, D.D., becune the pastor of this
mission 20th September, 1835, and so continued till 10th
April, 1837. He was the first to commence a register.
7. Thomas CosteUo, then at Tiverton, agreed to supply from
April, 1837, until June following. Subsequently, on 22nd
May, 1840, at the earnest invitati<Hi of his old friend Lady
Wrey, whose health was declining, he returned to Tawstock ;
but after her ladyship's decease went back to Tiverton.
See his biography in the second part of this compilation.
8. Joseph Dwyer reached Tawstock 21st June, 1837, but
three months later was called away to Thurles to assist in
the organization of the new college ; he returned, however,
on 17th April, 1838 ; but left in l^e ensuing spring for Bangor.
9. John Larkan was sent to supply firom 20th September,
1837, to 20th April following.
TABUS OF 8UOCB88XON OF INGUMBXNT8. 187
10. WUHam Cmeif am?ed from Marnhall 6ih April, 1889,
until 18th May, 1840, to return to his former mission.
11. Patrick Kdly, who had come from the ClomfiBart diocese
on a yisit to the TeneraUe F. Cootello, became his assistant,
and fiofiUy sooeessor. This reverend gentleman qoitted on
8rd October, 1844, for Shortwood.
12. Thomas Tieirneg Fergmson, !>./>., replaced from Short-
wood the preceding incumbent on 6tii October, 1844, and
served here for the best part of two years.
18. John Lynch supplied for six weeks.
14. JT^sQiA Kerin had char)$e of the faithfol from. August,
1849, until Februaiy, 1860.
15. Ra^h Brindle, after serrfaig Upton for ten years, took
possession ou 8th February, 1850, and under his steady
guidance the flod^ has sensibly increased. By his energetic
exertions a convenient house for the incumbent has been
erected contiguous to his new church, and now there is every
prospect that the Lord has opened the door of frith to many,
and that Barnstaple will become a permanent and important
mission.
12. Calverleigh and Tiverton, page 27.
After the defection of John Palmer Chichester, Esq., as
mentioned in page 19, the oldest chaplaincy in Devon, Arlmg-
ton, was closed up, and the incumbent, Bev. Henry Innes,
was turned adrift, to the grief of Maiy, the mother* of the
unfortunate youth. This pious lady interested herself with
Joseph Nagle,t of Calverleigh, Esq., to avail himself of the
services of her reverend friend, who was the spiritual guide
of her other son, Charles Chichester. This young gentleman
had fortunately married, on 29th December, 1791, Honora
French, the niece of Mr. Nagle, and the arrangement was
• This lady was second daughter to M^r Donald Mac Donald, of
Temadristy co. Inverness. She sorrived her husband. John Chichesteiv
Esq., thirty-two years. Dying in Queen-square. Bath, 5th December,
1816, aged seventy-seven, she was buried in the chapel vault thero^
Pierrepoint-streel.
t Tnis venerable gentleman, ol Bally Gri£Sn, oo^ Cork, on 2nd July,
1768, had purchased the manor of Calverleigh, the reotoiy of Bampton,
4nd certain lands inXempletonyirom the trustees of Charles Lord Viscount
Fane, for 10,000 a:uinea8 ; but chiefly resided at Bath, until he had fitted
np Calverleigh tor his abode, about the year 1796, and shortly after
engaged the Kev. Philip Compton for a chaplain, who remained there
six years. David Nagle^ Esq., brother of the purchaser, died here 4ih
June^ 1800, aged eighty-one. Joseph, as I well remember, died at Cal-
verleigh Court 29th January, 1818, set. eighty-nine. By his will the
property descended to his nephew-in-law, Charles Joseph Chichester,
Esq., who survived until iTu January, 1887, »t. sixty-seven. His
lady had preceded hipi to ^ grave 26th Septeqiber, 1831.
188 tABLXS or SUCCESSION or INCUMBENTS.
conduded between the reverend gentleman and the family to
their mutual satisfaction. At the end of seven years Mr.
Innes returned to his native country, Scotland, and died at
Ballogie in the winter of 1833, aged eighty-six.
3. VAhbi Henri Jacques Marquant succeeded Mr. Innes
in 1802, and left in the spring of 1808.
4. Monsieur Renault came from Leighland; but died at
Calverleigh 14th November, 1810, and was buried in the
parish church.
5. Paul Augustin Fowmier^ of Vitre, arrived at Calverleigh
15th March, 1811; dying there of apoplexy 18th January,
1819, aged sixty-seven, he was buried in the churchyard.
6. Jean Marc Romain Moutier (whose biography will
appear in Part II.) served this mission very diligently until
his lamented illness in 1831. For the present see page 27.
7. Bamab6 Yraizoz, of Navarre, succeeded my pious friend,
Mr. Moutier, 14th June, 1831 ; but left, from bad health, 14th
October, 1835. Dying in London, 22nd January, 1836, set.
fifty-three, he was buried on the 28th in Moorfiel^ Chapel.
8. James Joseph Lyons, O.8.D., came to Calverleigh from
Usk 28th November, 1835; left for Lyme 28th December, 1836.
9. Thomas Costello arrived on Sunday, 29th January, 1837,
and to the regret of many quitted for Tawstock 22nd May,
1840; he, however, in the sequel re-assumed the charge in the
Lent of 184^3, and held it imtil his lamented death, 21st
March, 1846. He is buried at St. John^s Tiverton.
10. Rev. Thomas Danson arrived at St. John's, Tiverton,
21st June, 1842; but finding that Bishop Baines had just
before given up on trial the premises to some religious sisters
of the Order of Mercy, he left for Shortwood on 8th August
following.
1 1 . Thomas Erancis Rooker reached St. John's 12th August,
1842 ; but to the regret of his increasing fiock was summoned
to St. Joseph's, Bristol, in the beginning of Lent, 1843.
12. Herbert Aubrey Woollett was placed here 3rd April,
1846, and on 5th August following was drafted to Poole.
13. Thomas Shattock succeeded 7th August, 1846; but
within two months returned to Prior Park.
14. Rev. William Sheehy, an able and active missionary,
came in October, 1846, but left on 8th June, 1848.
15. Rev. Henry Riky went there on 7th June, 1848, but
was obliged by his rapidly-declining health to resign all pas-
toral duty on 11th July following.
16. Rev. Henry Keary succeeded 15th July, 1848, but was
necessitated to leave before Christmas, as he could obtain no
part of the Moutier funds fix>m Prior Park.
TABLX8 OF SUCCESSION OF INCUMBXNT8. 189
17. JRev. John Fanning was then sent by Bishop Hendren
from his comfortable situation at Taunton; but after two
years' exertion to have justice done to the incumbent in con-
formity to the terms of the foundation^ all to no purpose^
be obtained permission to return to Taunton^ in the Advent
of 1850.
18. Rev. John Ryan left Chidiock at the end of November^
1850^ and was stationed here for six months, when he was
ordered to Falmouth. He was succeeded by the present
incumbent, the
19. Rev. Michael Carroll^ the seventeenth that I have seen
in this mission.
I am in possession of the evidences that relate to the
foundation, and am not surprised that a prelate, who knows
well all the merits of the case, should write to me as follows :
— " Hereafter, good people wishing to endow churches, mis-
sions, &c., will I^ induced to employ none but lay trustees.''
14. Tor Abbey.— VsLges 20, 24.
The first priest, I believe, was a worthy secular, Robert
Hillj alias Timer. He was of the ancient family of the Hills,
of Shilston ; but of the term of his pastoral office I cannot re-
cover any precise information : he was certainly living in 1695.
The second, John Lewis, alias Kemys, related to the Tynte
family. I have met with him at the abbey in 1685, and
probably is the priest referred to by the fanatical Whittie,
p. 21. On 26th August, 1708, he made his will, which was
proved in the Bishop's Court, Exeter, on 9th May, 1709,
and was a special benefactor to his successors.
The third that I can leam (though some others must have
intervened — I think Mr. Vincent, who went to Sparkwell)
was John Beaumont, of Stone Easton, O.S.F. I am told that
he served six years. He died a Jubilarian at St. Bonaven-
ture's convent, Douay, 1774*
The fourth was Charles Needham, of Hilston, co. Mon-
mouth. This gifted 4lh)e of Douay College and pohshed
gentleman arrived at Tor Abbey 10th December, 1745, where
until the autumn of 1788 he continued his invaluable services
to religion and to the &mily. Retiring from the charge of
the flock, he took up his quarters in the village of Tor
Mohun until 22nd February, 1798, when he left for London,
where he died 10th September, 1802, at the patriarchal age
of eighty-eight.
5. John Halford, another talented and exemplary alumnus
of Douay College, succeeded the venerable Mr. Needham at
190 TABLBs m macESBiov m ikcumbsnvb.
Midiaelmaa^ 1788, and reaided with tiie &mil^ fbr se<FenMen
years. Declining health compelled him to resigii his charge.
He died at Henley-oii<>Thames 8th December, 1806*
6. UAbU ThibauU, followed fbr a short time, when he
removed to Sidmouth, where he was universally esteemed.
Returning, at the restoration of the Bourbons, to Avranches,
he there ended his days 14th July, 1823, et. sixty.
7. UAbbi Moriland succeeded, but quitted late in 1807
for Wappenburg, oo. Warwick.
8. UAbbi Michel supplied, but for a short period.
9« Mons. Oabriel Firan^aiB Le Hericf, a priest of great
merit, commenced his mission here 2nd June, 1808, and for
eight yean made himself tmiversaUy beloved. He then
returned to iVanoe, and died at Bayeux 25th November,
1844;, set. eighty-«ev«i« I shall enlarge on this good man
in the biographical part.
10. UAbbi Normand, bom 1st January, 1760, was a teticAe-
irau here for some time, then retreated to Spetisbury, and
finally to Stapehill, where he rested from his labours 14th
January, 1842.
11. jJAbbi Jean Cwpi. For the history of this dear firiend
see the second part. After serving the place efSciently the
best part of four years, he left 15th June, 1820, to visit
France. On my recommendation he accepted the Poole
mission at Christmas, 1820, which he left at Michaelmas,
1825, to return to his native country. He died at Bennes
Slst December, 1842, set. seventy-seven,
12. WiUimn Puraell, O.8.F., reached Tor Abbey in bad
health, 23rd S^tember, 1820. Dying on 29th July following,
he was buried in Tor Mohun diurchyard, set. fifty-seven.
18. John McEnery, a very able and kind-hearted ecclesi-
astic, of whom I shall treat fully in the second part. The
hope of recovering his impaired health induced him to travri
mudi abroad. Indeed, we all missed him much. He had
arrived here on 9th March, 1822, and finr several years ren-
dered important services to religion. Betuming to his post
in 1840, we hoped against hope that his coostitution would
have been recruited ; but no, — on Thursday evening, 18th
February, he died quietly in his chair at the abbey, aged
forty-five. During his absence and sickness several priests
attended.
14. Bef9. John mUiams, from 3rd April, 1880, tOl 9&
July, 1881.
15. John Larkan supplied from 19th July, 1884, to the
April following, when he was ordered to FoUaAon.
16. John McDownM, hastily ordained at the age of thirty-
ZABUU OP BUOCXatMm OV INCUMBBim. 191
eiglit, in the adveat of 1884^ reached the abbey 15th Aprils
1885 ; abruptly quitted 12th May, 1886 ; died at Trinidad
in Febmaiy, 1889.
17. Btv. GriffUhB supplied for about ten weeks.
18..Z>'^M^ Sigwole took charge of the flock 1st Sq^tem-
ber, 1836, but shortly after Mr. McEneiy's return, embarked
for France 15th April, 1839.
19. Charles Fisher assisted my invalided firiend for several
months.
20. Rev. Patrick Woods arrived on 18th July, 1841, and
left it 15th September following.
21. Thomas Michael MacdMnnell succeeded Mr. Woods,
and did good service until Midsummer, 1844, when Bishop
BttggB called him to Clifton.
22. fVilUam Sheehy replaced F. Maodonell, but was
transferred to Tivertcm in October, 1846.
28. iZev. Thomas Danson made but an appariticm in the
place.
24. jRev. Mawriee Power was transferred from Penzance to
Torquay in October, 1846 ; and religion must ever be indebted
to his successful zeal in undertaking and completing a churdi,
amidst many difficulties, to the glory of Ood and the benefit
of many souls.
15. (^i^ftrooitf.— Pages 22, 25.
I have mentioned before, that Thomas, the first Ijord
Cllffbrd, had erected at XJgbrooke a domestic chapel and
cemetery in honour of St. Cyprian, the consecration of which
was performed on 17th July, 1671, by Dr. Anthony Sparrow,
Lord Bishop of Exeter. About a twelvemonth later the
founder was reconciled to the Catholic Church. From the
following bill for plate to be used for this chapel it appears,
that he wished it to be furnished most becomingly. On
11th January, 1673, Mr. John Lindsay sent the articles
according to order, and the bill was paid 28th June follow*
hig:—
2 GiH Candlesticks, weight, 258 oz. 5 dwt., at D«. per oz. • lid 19 fl
1 Gilt Chalice, weight, 41 oz. 15 dwt. 12 gr., at d«. per oz. . 18 6
1 Gilt Bason, 105 oz. 17 dwt., at 8«. 6J. per oz. •
\ Gilt Paten, 32oz. 19dwt. 12 gr., at 8t. Ctf. per oz.
1 Gilt Flagon, 64 oz. 19 dwt at Ss. 6d. per oz. .
The Engraving of Gilt Plate
For Cases of the said Gilt Plate
44 19
Id 16 3
27 12
14
8
£227 7 4
192 TABLES OF gUCCESSION OF INCVHBENTg.
Perhaps be never saw it unpacked. Towards the end of
August^ 1673^ he left London : he must have suffered
much on the journey from his disorder the stone. He
begins his will on the 7th October, professing that he was
'' weak in body ;" and had ceased to live ten days later.
Chaplains and Incumbents.
1 . Thomas Bisdan alias Blewett, S>. J. The first time I meet
with him in these parts is in the year 1701, and again in 1710.
He occurs in the will of Dame Gratiana Carew, relict of Sir
Henry Carew, Baronet, made 24th May, 1728-9, and proved
8rd December, 1730, thus : —
" I give unto Mr. Thomas Risdon, of Ugbroke, the charge
and care of all such things as shall be in the upper closet of
Bickleigh, if he be living at the time of my decease, other-
ways to such parsone who shall have the care of my soul at
the time of my departure hence, to fitt itt for its eternal
abode.'' Lady Ann Clifford {olim Preston) in her will, dated
Ugbrooke, 13th September, 1733, bequeaths '' to Mr. Bisdon,
who lives with me, twenty pounds.'' Her ladyship died
5th July following. Soon after the reverend gentleman
retired to Watten, where he died 12th February, 1744, at,
eighty-two.
2. Dominic Derbyshire, 0,S.D,, succeeded in February,
1735. He was called away twelve years later to fill the
office of sixteenth prior of Bomhem; but as soon as the
triennial term of government expired, he returned to Ugbrooke,
where he ended his days, as I found written in the Prayer-
book of one who knew him, on Friday, 7th January, 1757,
and was buried in the cemetery behind the chapel. The
Bomhem Bolls testify that, at the time of his death, he was
sixty-eight years of age, professed forty-six, and priest forty-
four. But I never could learn who was his substitute during
his absence at Bornhem Convent of the Holy Cross.
3. James Price, O.S.B,, who had been superior of St.
Edmund's at Paris, reached Ugbrooke about Michaelmas,
1757, in a confirmed dropsy, and died three months' later.
His remains lie in the chancel of Chudleigh Church, where
he was buried, according to the parish register, 4th January,
1758.
4. Frost, James, O.S.F. (in religion, Peter). This amiable
Eriest resided at Ugbrooke from 1758 until June 1766, when
e was ordered by his superiors to take charge of their school
at Edgbaston, near Birmingham. In July, 1770, he was
elected guardian of St. Bonaventure's Convent at Douay,
TABLES OF SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS* 193
and proyineial of his brethren, 30th August, 1782. He had
hardly completed his triennial period of government, when
he died at Wootton, 3rd October, 1 786, aet. fifty-four.
5. JVilliam Strickland, S.J., after some time was appointed
to supply at Ugbrooke until the Rev. Joseph Beeve could
arrive from the Continent. See the second part.
6. Joseph Reeve, S.J., a man of extraordinary merit, who
arrived at Ugbrooke on 5th August, 1767, and there ended
his days 2nd May, 1820, aged eighty-seven. I shall dwell
on his merits at length in the second part.
7. Felix Vauguelin. This learned friend, who had, from
the first French Revolution, enjoyed an asylum at Ugbrooke,
undertook the charge of the congregation when Mr. Reeve's
sight began to fail him, and returned to his native city,
Rouen, in September, 1816. Its archbishop, acquainted
with his distinguished merits, soon appointed him a grand
vicaire. There he died, universally respected and esteemed,
7th February, 1840, aet. eighty- three.
8. James Laurenson, S.J., succeeded 27th September, 1816,
and continued his zealous services until 10th January, 1831,
when he was transferred to Lincoln.
9. James Broumbill, SJ. — This worthy succcessor to P,
Laurenson had arrived on Saturday, 27th November, 1830.
To his great comfort and joy, he removed from Ugbrooke
House to Ashwell within the Park, on Wednesday, 26th
June, 1832 ; but to the deep regret of his congregation and
numerous friends of all denominations of religion, he was
forced to retire on 27th September, 1835. See the Appendix,
No. VIII. ; and also Part II.
10. William Cotham, SJ. — He had been ordained priest
at Stonyhurst in the Ember week of Advent, 1834, and
reached Ugbrooke 24th September following, to succeed F.
Brownbill. After ten years of indefatigable labour, obedience
calling him away to the arduous mission of Wigan, he bade
adieu to Ugbrooke on 4th November, 1845.
11. Charles Lomax, SJ., arrived at Ugbrooke on 16th
October, 1845, where, I trust, he has found a resting-place.
In page 29 I have briefly alluded to his zeal for souls.
12. Henry Brigham, SJ., succeeded 28th February, 1856.
15. Wardour Mission.
1. William Smith, S^./.— Obiit 13th September, 1658, aet.
sixty-four.
2. Ric/iard Mason, O.S.F. — See second part.
3. John Weldon, S.J, — See second part.
o
194 TABLES OF SUCCESSION OP INCUMBENTS.
4. TThomas FairfaXy alias Beckett, S.J. — Ob. 2nd March,
1716, «t. sixty.
6. Richard Holland, SJ.—Ke left in July, 1734.
6. Hubert Hacon, S. J., succeeded ; but must have resigned
the charge of the congregation some time before his death,
which occurred at Wardour 9th May, 1751, set. seventy-
three.
*7. Michael Poole, 8.J., was pastor for some years. Obiit
in Angli& 23rd April, 1748, set. sixty-one, soc. forty-one.
8. Robert Constable, S,J., served the family and mission
from 1746 to 1759.
9. John Jenison, 8J., from 1759 to 1774.
10. Augustine Jenison, 8 J,, who after three years and a few
months, in October, 1774, abandoned all !
11. Charles Forrester, vere Fleuri, arrived at Wardour 10th
February, 1775. This reverend gentleman, accompanying
the eighth Lord Arundell and family during a residence of
two years on the Continent, —
12. Joseph Clossette, 8.J,, was sent at Michaelmas, 1781,
to supply ; but melancholy to relate, on 23rd October of that
year he was thrown from his horse at Ludwell, near Wardour,
and killed on the spot, in his thirtieth year.
13. Edward Wheble, who had lived as private chaplain in
the family, now undertook the charge of the congregation
until F. Forrester could resume his post. This eloquent man,
dying at Wardour 29th January, 1788, at. sixty-three, was
buri^ at the entrance of the chapel.
14. Edward Nichell, 8.J., on F. Forrester's resigning the
incumbency for the post of domestic chaplain. After dis-
charging his pastoral office, with an affectionate zeal that
must ever endear his memory to the Wardour congregation,
during fourteen years, he left for Trinidad, where, on 4th
November, 1806, he fell a victim of charity in attending the
poor negroes, aet. fifty-four.
15. Jean Baptiste Martst succeeded F. Nichell, and for
sixteen years discharged the duties of a good shepherd. On
his retirement to Canford, 1817, —
16. F. Joseph Postlewhite served Wardour from March,
1817, until October, 1820.
17. F. Richard Parker, 8J., from 6th October, 1820, until
March, 1832.
* I am at fault where to place F. Edward Withie, S.J. ; but after
serving at Wardour he died at Liege 22nd November, 1769, eet. eighty.
According to the Provinciars book, he was succeeded at Wardour by
F.Joseph Wright, who died in England 14th March, 1700, tet. sixty-
one.
TABLES OF SUCCESSION OF INCUMBENTS. 195
18. F, James Carr, SJ., supplied firom Marcli until 20th
June, 1832. He was born at Preston 4th June, 1795 ; was
educated at Stonyhurst ; succeeded P. Brice Bridge at Nor-
wich, in August, 1822; transferred to Worcester, vice P.
Richard Norris, in 1826 ; quitted the Society in the summer
of 1827 ; re-admitted in December, 1829 ; but withdrew
again after his departure from Wardour at the end of three
months. He is still living.
19. F. Jamea Laurenson, S.J. — Of this very old and dear
friend, I shall have to treat at large in the second part.
The late Everard Lord Arundell had witnessed at Ugbrooke,
during his long ministry, his undeviating example of pro-
priety and enlightened zeal, and earnestly petitioned his
superiors that Wardour might be privileged with obtaining
such a pastor. His request was granted, and P. Laurenson
arrived at Wardour on the 23rd June, 1832, in the place of
P. Carr. I can hardly trust myself to speak of his merito-
rious services to the family, and to the increasing congrega-
tion. By his active industry, he succeeded in creating the
spacious and most convenient Catholic cemetery, which was
first opened with imposing solemnity on the occasion of the
first interment of an infant (Elias Peter Burton) on 1st January,
1836. Owing to the rapid progress of the cause of religion
in this extensive mission, he was at length allowed an assist-
ant, first, in P. Henry Mahon ; second, P. Walter Clifibrd ;
third, P. WiUiam Lomax, who arrived 14th October, 1843;
fourth, P. William Waterton (of all whom I shall report
in the biographical part) ; and fifth, of P. James Clough,
who arrived in July, 1848, and died 3rd November fol-
lowing, set. forty-five. But from Ist November, 1848, until
2nd September, 1853, he was left to perform double duty ;
and then abruptly transferred to Worcester, where he is
now pursuing his apostolic labours, aet. seventy-four.
20. F. John Grimstone, SJ., arrived 30th June, 1858.
He was allowed an assistant, first, in P. Edward Hood, for
about a year and a half; second, in P. Gteorge Lambert ;
and since 20th October, 1855, in P. Henry Walmesley, of
whom more in Part II.
21. F. Ralph Cooper, S.J., formerly at Worcester, is the
present incumbent at Wardour, in consequence of P. Grim-
stone being obliged to retire by reason of bad health.
It may not be amiss to observe, that a small community
of Carthusians from Gallion, near Bouen, emigrated into
this country at the Prench Revolution, and that through the
generosity of the Arundell family, they found an asylum at
Coomb, near Shaftesbury. They were eight in number;
o 2
196 TABLES OP SUCCESSION OP INCUMBENTS.
their prior died there, and was buried at Donhcad, St. Maiy,
with the following inscription : —
D. O. M.
Dom. Anthehn. GuUlemet,
A Carthusian Monk,
Of the Convent of Bourhon, in Normandy.
Banished from his native country for his religion.
Died at Coomb April 21 st, 1798,
In Uie 84th of his age, ana 55th of his profession.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.
" He died in a good old age, full of days."
Gen. XXV. 8.
In the ''Catholic Magazine'* of January, 1835, is an
interesting report of a visit to the Grande Chartreuse, made
in October, 1833. Pfere Antoine Latarre, set. eighty-four, who
had been afforded shelter and protection at Coomb, was then
living, and retained the warmest sense of gratitude towards
the Arundell family. He made numberless inquiries con-
cerning its surviving members, and declared that he never
passed a day without earnestly recommending these his
ancient benefactors to Almighty God.
APPENDIX.
No. L
MefercMe to page 8.
Ik page 8 1 have stated that the Petre family had derived their
origin, and had acquired considerable property, in the diocese of
Exeter. Though they ceased, for the most part, to reside on it,
it may be desirable to give a brief synopsis ol the family.
The founder of this family was William, son of John Fetre,
by his wife Alice Colin. At Tor Newton, a very small estate in
Tor Brian parish, Devon, he first saw the light of day. In
process of time, he ^ot admission into Exeter College, Oxford,
and was early introduced at court, where we meet him as a
protegS of that unprincij)led minister Thomas Cromwell, on 24th
November, 1535. By his obsequious acquiescence to four suc-
cessive sovereigns, — viz. Henrv VIII., Edward VI., Mary, and
Queen Elizabeth, — he succeeded in retaining their confidence,
and largely sharing in their bounty. The estate that he acquired
by crown grants was truly immense; in Devonshire alone the
property amounted to 86,000 acres, and, which is singular, he
obtained of Pope Paul IV. a confirmation of this strangely-
acquired property. The Bull, dated 28th November, 1556, may
be seen in vol. vi. of the Monasticon Anglicanum, p. 1645. It
must, however, be said in his commendation, that he was a
generous benefactor to Exeter CoUege, Oxford, and that he
handsomely endowed an almshouse for twenty poor persons at
Ingatestone, Essex. He died on 13th January, 1572, and was
buried in the parish church of Ingatestone.
A younger brother of his, Bichard, was installed precentor of
Exeter Cathedral, 28th December, 1557, and was certainly
averse to Queen Elizabeth^s change of the national religion
(see Alley's Eegister, p. 62) ; but still retained his office until
December, 1571 (see Bradbridge's Eegister, fol. 67), when Ye
resigned it during his knightly brother's last illness. I can
discover nothing in the Acts of our bishops of Exeter to warrant
Dodd's assertion (Church History, vol. li. p. 127), that he was
deprived for opposing the Beformation in the beginning of Queen
Elizabeth's reign.
Sir "William Petre left an only son, John, whom King James I.,
on 21st July, 1603, created Lord Petre, baron of Writtle, in
198 APPENDIX.
CO. Essex. He married Mary, eldest daughter of Sir Edward
Waldegrave, who had died a confessor of the Catholic faith in the
Tower of London, Ist September, 1561. There is cause for
believing that he made conscience too subservient to his political
interests. Dying, 11th October, 1613, he was buried near his
father. Exeter College honoured his memory by a thin 4to.
of Epicedia, entitled, "Threni Exoniensium in obitum illus-
trissimi Viri D. Johannis Petrei, Baronis de Writtle, Filii
D. Gul. Petrei." Oxon, 1613, pp. 48. These poems are in
Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and other languages. It should be
remembered that Dorothy, his lordship's sister, and wife of
Sir Nicholas Wadham, so heartily concurred with her husband,
whom she long suryived, in the foundation of Wadham College,
Oxford, as to be called '< foundresse," in her monument at
Ilminster. Ob. 16th May, 1618, set. eighty-four.
2. William, the eldest son of the first Lord Petre, succeeded to
the title and estates. He married Catherine, second daughter
of Edward Somerset, earl of Worcester. Her ladyship died on
81st October, 1625. Her noble Lord had much annoyance and
persecution to endure for his attachment to the old religion.
Dr. George Abbot, the puritanical archbishop of Canterbury,
summoned him before the Ecclesiastical Court in consequence.
His name was struck out from the list of ma^trates. He seema
to have taken a delight in forming a collection of armoury ; but
it was seized by the Government, which still was mean enough to
saddle him with the cost of keeping it in proper order. At
Thomdon he died piously on 5th May, 1627 ; and his last words,
says E. Henry More (Hist. Prov, Angl. S.J., p. 467), were,
" I am now gomg where I shall never offend Q^od any more."
3. JRobert Lord FetrSy was the eldest son of the last-mentioned
peer. Seven years before his accession to the title, he had con-
tracted marriage with Mary, daughter of Anthony, Lord Viscount
Montague; and it is worthy of remark that their three sons,
William, John, and Thomas, were successively Barons Petre.
In the Diary of Walter Yonge, Esq., from 1604 to 1628,
printed for the Camden Society in 1848, I read, in page 108 :
" July 2l8t, 1627, — About two months since, the Lord Petre's
two sons were taken, going to the University in Spain; and
were this week, together with the Lord Harbert*s son, committed
to the custody of the bishop of London" (George Montague).
According to one account, the noble lord died 23rd October,
1637 ; but probably on 23rd October, 1638. That he proved a
distinguished benefactor to the English Jesuits, is evident from
the following letter of the provincial, E. Eichard Blount, dated
London, 27th August, 1682, to the sixth general of their Society,
Mutius Vitelleschi : —
" Admodum Eevde. in Christo Pater Noster — ^Pax Christi.
" lllustrissimus Dominus Baro Ccphalini (sic enim vocari cupit
Hospes Henrici More), Baro Petri, zelo fidei ac religiouis
APPENDIX. 199
Catholicffi propagaudffi accensus, cum liberia suts omnibus jam
provident, excepto natu maxim o, pietatis in patriam suam monu-
mentum quoque aliquod relinquere post se optat. Collegium
itaque Societatis nostrss fundare in animo habet, cui dotando
prster redditum annuum perpetuum quasi mille scutorum,
summam capitalem sexdecim millium scutorum in parat& pecuni4
seposuit, quffi si ad nummum duntaxat decimum quintum expo-
natur, ad alendos viginti quinque personas omnino sufficiet.
Quod si DivinsB Bonitati yitam ipsi ad aliquot annos proro^are
visum fuerit, paratis qusB filio natu minimo sufficiant, dotem etiam
collegii aucturum se sperat. Dignabitur Fatemitas Yestra banc
optimi sane viri, et Societatis nostrs studiosissimi, piam volun-
tatem p;ratam habere, et collegium sic dotandum aa majus Dei
obsequium et animarum auxilium admittere, quod ipse Chelma-
fordii (hoc priecipuum illius comitatus est oppidum et nostris
ministeriis percommodum) sub nuncupatione Sanctorum Aposto-
lorum collocandum censet. Quod eo etiam nomine Hbentiua
concessura l^pero Patemitatem Yestram, quia idem illustrissimus
Dominus ab obitu parentis per complures jam annos insignia
benefactor extitit, donatis Societati in singulos annos mDle scutis,
quam eleemosynam bodieque dat, et ad obitum usque daturus est.
"Et quidem est Oxonii Collegium quod ab ejus majoribus
fundatum, ob conditiones in ejus traditione pactas, sed jam mani-
feate ruptas, secundum jura ad ipsum devolutum censetur ; cujus
possessionem baud dubio jam adiisset, si per temporum iniqui*
tatem jus suum prosequi licuisset. Itaque, lite pendente, sed
non adjudicate. Collegium illud (Exoniense) si quando a posteris
recuperabitur, Societati nostrte per codicillum donandum ordi-
nabit; qu» sane res eximiam ejus in nos benoTolentiam satis
ostendit. Ceterum ubi perlatum fuerit responsum Fatemitatis
Yestne, si collegium admittendum videbitur, pecunia supradicta
cum redditu annuo mibi statim legitime consignabitur. Simul
vero, si placet F.Y., mittatur diploma, quo hujusmodi collegium
a se rite admissum testetur; cujusmodi diploma missurum etiam
se proraisit D. Carolo Shirebundo, quod tamen bactenus non
suscepi. Quod reliquum est, Sanctis me F.Y. sacrificiis et
orationibus humillime commendo. Londini, 27 Augusti, 1632.
" Adm. E.F.Y. indignus in Cbristo filius et servus,
"BlOABDUS BlONDUS."
The regular diploma duly reached his lordship, which he
acknowledged to tne said General Yitelleschi by letter, dated
London, 3rd April, 1635.
4. WiUiam, the eldest son of Lord Bobert, succeeded to the
peerage, and had to encounter most difficult times in consequence
of his loyal and religious principles. When a regiment refused to
march until it received its arrears of pay, amounting to £3,000,
the Puritanical Farliament (Journals, vi. 519) ordered the sum to
be raised by the sale of his lordship's woods in Essex. In the
State-Paper Office is a " certificate, according to order, of 9th
200 APPENDIX.
May, 1650, upon petition of Edward Beaton and Edward White,
gentlemen, trustees for the younger children of the late Bobert
Lord Petre, desirins allowance of a deed for raising portions, &c."
" That the said Bobert Lord Petre had been seized of the
manor of S. Brent, Devon, of the value of ^411. 15^. Id., and of
about £300 old rents.
" Of the manor of Patworth, co. Somerset, £14. 18«. 9d.
" Of the manor of Writtle, in Essex, and other lands in the
same county, £1,034. 11«. 4J. value, did by deed, dated 11th
October, 1688, bargain and sell to petitioners for a term of thirty
years the abovesaid manors and lands under the yearly rent of
£100 per annum, to the heirs of the same Lord Petre, upon trust
to raise £35,000 for the advancement of Mary, John, Francis,
Thomas, Dorothy, and Anthony, his children, in shares following :
to Mary six, John ten, Francis five, Thomas five, Dorothy four,
and Anthony five, to be paid at their attaining the a^ of twenty-
one. Proviso for avoiding payment of the portions of such
as should prove dissolute and ungovemed either in course of life,
or in marriage without the consent of parents. That the portion
of Mary had been paid on her marriage with Edward Stourton,
Esq.; that Francis and Anthony had died before the age of
twenty-one ; that trustees had received further in this charge of
their trust £5,930. 10s, ; and petitioners were in possession, by
virtue of the order of commissioners for sequestration, dated
7th April, 1647, until hindered by the new commissioners in the
several counties."
Particulars of the estates in Devon.
The manor of South Brent £142
— Churchstowe 64 11 11
— Kingsbridge 18 12 7
— Shute 65 2 4
— Southleigh 16 6 8
— Northleigh 11 15 7
— Werrington 5 16
— Hitway 2 14 2
— Uphay 9 8 4
— Ilumfraville 10 9
— Axminster 61 6 8
— Dowleshays 8 6 4
— HaccombeFee 4 18 2
— Challenger 5 17
— Combpyne 17 6 6
— Dounehumfraville 16 12 6
— Lands called Sparkhays 2 13 4
— Littlecombe 4 10 6
— Laggesmore, alias Buxmore 2 6 3
— Dcane and Brannomb 2 4
Carried forward 461 11 1
APPENDIX. 201
Brouffht forward £461 11 1
The Manor of Borcomoe 4 13 4
— Hunthajes 2 11
— EastMembury 2 10
— Kellene 1 13 10
— Sidford, Sidburj, and Hartcombe . 2 10 4
Total of rents £474 19 8
Though King Charles II. did not possess a more loyal subject,
yet during the national delirium excited by Oates's plot, — ".which
plot his Majesty was satisfied was all a fiction, never believing
one tittle of it'* (Life of James II. vol. i.), — this illustrious
peer, on 29th November, 1678, was consigned to the Tower, and
was sufiered to remain there and die a prisoner without trial on
3rd January, 1683. Just before his death he addressed the
following letter to his ungrateful sovereign. I may pre-
mise, however, that this excellent nobleman had been committed
to jail by the usurper Cromwell (for his loyalty had made him
suspected) on 30th June, 1655. On 8th August he solicited
Secretary Thurloe's interest with the Protector, " that in regard
of certam great business, which lies gasping by reason of my
restraint, he would be pleased either to grant me a full liberty,
or fredom upon my own engagement, to follow my said occa-
sions." The usurper, I believe, was more lenient than his
legitimate sovereign : —
" May it please TotrB Majesty, — I give myself the hopes
that your Majesty will pardon this presumption of a dying but
dutiful subject, in giving vou the trouble of this short account
and declaration of myself, by which, in the first place, I oflTer to
God my hearty prayers for your Maiesty's long life and happy
reign, with all the blessings of this life, and eternal happiness in
the next.
" I having been now above five years in prison, and what is
more grievous to me, lain so long under a false and injurious
caliminy of a horrid plot and design against your Majesty's
person and Government, and am now, by the disposition of God's
providence, called into another world before I could, by a public
trial make my innocence appear, I conceived it necessary for me,
as an incumbent duty I owe to truth and my own innocence, to
make this ensuing protestation to your Majesty and the whole
world.
"That whereas one Titus Gates hath maliciously and falsely
sworn, that he saw me receive a commission directed to me from
Joannes Faulus de Gliva constituting me lieutenant-general of
an army which he pretended was to come to England, I declare
in the presence of the all-seeing God, before whose just tribunal
I am shortly to appear, that I never saw any such commission
directed to me, or any other person whatsoever, and do firmly
believe there never was any such. But of the folly as well as the
202 APPENDIX.
falsehood of the mformation, the sober part of mankind, aa I
conceive, sufficiently ere this are convincea.
** And as for those aspersions which the ignorant and malicious
have thrown upon the Koman Catholic Church (of which I am,
and bj the grace of God do die a member), as if murdering of
kings and taking up arms against our sovereigns was an authorized
principle of that religion, I do knowiuelj affirm, there is nothing
with more horror detested by the Catholic Church, as being ex-
pressly contrary to the command of our Saviour and to Christian
doctrine ; and, as such, I renounce and detest it, aa I do all plots
and coDspiracies aeainst your sacred person.
** Having thus briefly, and with all sinceriir of a dying man,
discharged my conscience, I shall end where 1 began, and with
my last breath bejg of Qod to defend your Majest]^ from all your
enemies, and to forgive those who by their perjuries have endea-
voured to make me appear to be one, who, living and dying, am
as in duty bound, &c.
^* Your most obedient and loyal subject,
" W. Petbe."
Thus died this much-injured nobleman, leaving a bright example
of innocence and charity, as well as of inviolable loyalty. His
brother «/bAn, jfifth Lord Fetre, succeeded, but survived his la-
mented predecessor but one twelvemonth.
6. Thomas, the third brother, was the next peer. King
James II. highly esteemed and favoured him, as well on account
of his own ments, as for the distinguished virtues of his perse-
cuted brother, the Lord William. At the Bevolution he was
consequently subjected to much vexation ; but he lived to a good
old age, dying 4th June, 1707. By his lady, Mary, daughter of
Sir Thomas Clifton, Bart., he left an only son to inherit his
honours, viz.,
7. Robert. — This is the "adventurous baron " in Pope's "Bape
of the Lock." The young nobleman, shortly after marrying that
great heiress Miss Catherine Walmesley,* of DunKenhalgh,
Lancashire, was rapidly carried off by small-pox. His will was
timely made on 21st March, 1713. His posthumous son,
8. Robert James, now became the eighth Lord Petre. The
family chaplain, the Eev. Bobert Manning, a consummate theo-
logian, paid extraordinary attention to the cultivation of his mind
and unaerstanding. Prom Nichol's Illustrations, vol. i. p. 327, it
appears that his lordship was an eminent florist, and fellow of the
Boyal and Antiquarian Societies. On 25th April, 1732, he married
at St. Paul's, London, the Lady Mary, daughter of James Earl of
Derwentwater. He died 2nd July, 1742, and was succeeded by
his only son,
9. Robert Edward, — His family must be ever indebted to him
for building his princely mansion of Thomdon. That he possessed
* She afterwards married Charles, 14th Lord Stourton, and surviving him
fifty -two years, died 31 January, 1785» let. eighty -eight.
APPENDIX. 203
many estimable qualitieB, was a munificent encouniger of men of
letters, and very charitable, is undeniable ; but unfortunately he
became a tool in the hands of some designing members of the
Cisalpine Committee, and was betrayed in consequence into in-
discretions. His letter to Dr. Horsley, Bishop of St. David's,
dated 17th February, 1789, would better have remained unpub«
lished. But before his death, the noble lord expressed his deep
sorrow for every act and writing inconsistent with his faith and
religious dut^ mto which he had fallen in the management of
Catholic affiurs ; and he caused all the papers of that nature in
his possession to be burnt in his presence. See Dr. Milner's
Supplementary Memoirs, p. 833. Ob. 2nd July, 1801, let. sixty.
He was succeeded by his eldest son,
10. Boheri Sdtoard, who enjoyed his honours but a short time,
dying 29th March, 1809, aet. forty-six.
11. William Francis Hen/ry, — This nobleman parted with the
remainder of the family property in Devon. Ob. Srd July, 1850,
aged fifty-seven.
12. William Henry Francis, his eldest son, and now twelfth
Lord Petre, married on 26th September, 1843, Maria Theresa,
eldest daughter of Hon. Charles Thomas Clifford. ,
*' Stet fortana Domoa et avi numerentur avorttm."
No. II.
Beferaiile to pages 2 and 9.
Ex vitd D. Erancisci Tregian, Authore Francisco Plunketto,
Nepote ejus Fatemo, Ulissipone impress^. Anno 1655 in 12°.
'* Aulam Elizabethse adit (ingruente persecutione) ut Catholicis
opem aliquam ferret, duct& jam in conjugem Marid, Baronis Stur-
tonisB filia. Begina per pedisseouam ilium invitat ad cubiculum
intempest^ nocte ; recusantem adit, lectoque assidens ad impudica
provocat, recusantem increpat. Castitatis busb curam gerens, ex
Aula se proripuit insalutata Beginft ; quae idcirco furit et in car-
cerem detrudi jubet. Factum id 8 Junii, 1577."
*'16 Septembris, ad tribunal ductus est Cuthbert Manus,
sacerdos ejus, cum quindecim famulis ; hi perpetuo carceri manci-
pati; sacerdos condemnatus, et postea more proditorum suspensus."
Page 13. — " Franciscus perpetuo carceri damnatus ; bona omnia
fisco adjudicata."
Page 17. — " Triennio et amplius crudelissime tractatur in carcere
Londinensi, ad quern pro magno favore translatus fuerat ex alio,
ubi tribus mensibus non minus inhumaniter habitus fuerat."
Page 82. — ''Yiginti septem annos in vinculis transegit; turn
liber fugit Madritum, ubi a Philippe 1X1° humanissime tractatum,
sexaginta aureis illi in menses singulos assignatis. Yaletudinis
caasl Olissiponem migravit, ubi saficte obiit 25 Septembris,
1608; 17 post annos corpus repertum incorruptum, et pliurima
204 APPENDIX.
per reliquias patrata miracula, qase recensentur ab ordinario
approbata."
N.B. The style of the work is obscure and uDclassical. In the
Epistle to the Header he relates the miserable deaths of the per-
secutors of Sir Francis Tregian.
Cornelius a Lapide, in his Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to
the Hebrews (chap, x.), says : — " Ferunt D. Franciscum Tregianum
cum sententia de amissione bononim et perpetuis carceribus
ferenda esset, bysso candid4 vestitum comparuisse, et post latam
sententiam dixisse : Pereant bona, quae si non periissent, fortassis
Dominum perdidissent.**
In the " Catholic Miscellany '' of June, 1823, I inserted an
unpublished letter, written ^m Lisbon by F. Ignatius Stafford,
S. J., to Francis Forcer, of the same society, at Madrid, bearing
date 26th April, 1626. Dodd, in his Church Hist. vol. ii. p. 171,
had lost sigat of this great confessor after his visit to Douay
College in July, 1606.
" Eetbbsnd Fatheb, — I will rehearse unto you the sequent
case which happened yesterday, the 25th of this present, by
reason of a certain grave was then opened, wherein an English
knight had been formerly buried, as in the book of the Prefect of
the Church is found briefly set down as follows : —
" ' Nesta cava esta enterrado Don Francisco Tregian, Cavallero
Ingles, qui estuve preso em Inglaterra por la sancta Fe 28 anos ;
sendo Suo' principal de multoa vasallos conchez tomarem tota sua
fazenda ; em flm aesterrado de Inglaterra neo para esta ciudad de
Lisboa, com entretenimento que o Key che deo de 60 cruzadoa
cada mes ; e sendo da idade de 60 anos ; e levado a nosto Sen' em
Paraiso 25 de Setembro, 1608.'*
** This is verbatim that which is found in the prefect's book,
which some three weeks agone I read ; by chance finding the book
open in the same place, and then understood what this gentleman
was, and found in the house by fathers who knew him great tes*-
timonies of his sanctity. His grave being yesterday opened, his
body was found incorrupt [and entire, without corruption in any
part, so much as in nose, ears, or stomach, or any other part most
subject unto corruption ; yea, even his bowels were whole ; neither
* Mr. Madden discoyered recently in this church of St. Rock the sepulchral
stone and epitaph of this illustrious confessor of Catholic faith ; but I much
regret his inattention to dates. He has recorded, however, the daily form of
prayer of this victim of Elixabeth's remorseless vengeance, during his long
captivity.
** Dens Immortalis I Solamen peccatorum I abige k me procul omnem pusil-
lanimitatis speciem, nee me obruat servilis metns. Amen."
It reminds one of the prayer of that other victim, Mary Queen of Scots.
*' O Domine Deus, confido in Te :
O care mi Jesu, nunc libera me :
In dura catenfi, in misrra poena, speravi in Te ;
Languendo, gemendo, et genuflectendo,
Adoro, imploro, ut liberes me."
APPENDIX, 205
did any evil savour or smell proceed from it. His hair is upon his
head and beard ; his nails upon his hands and feet ; and, as I said,
all whole and entire; his flesh soft, and being pressed down,
riseth up again ; his arms, lingers, and legs, flexible. Finally, all
that have resorted hither, physicians and others, judge the matter
to be miraculous. Por it is seventeen years since he was buried ;
and some five years ago there was buried in the same grave a young
youth (though not laid so deep as this body), which is altogether
consumed. Moreover, in this our church, we find by experience
that all such persons as are buried therein are soon corrupted.
Some have confessed they endeavoured to pull off his fingers and
nails, but could not. Also another particular circumstance happened
to be found, and was that all the Franciscan habit wherein he was
buried was consumed, save only so much as was sufficient to cover
his members about a span length and breadth, which was found
entire. This is the present case briefly (hereafter we shall have more
to write) which hath so sounded in this city, that although we do
not show the body in public, until the matter be juridically ex-
amined and allowea by the archbishop ; yet the concourse of people
of all sorts both yesternight and this day is so extreme, that both
the street, church, and courts are thronged in such sort, that
we cannot resort to the gate to speak with such as come to visit
and with business ; and whether we will or no, many, especially
gentlemen and religious, enter. This is all for the present. Thus
I rest this 26th of April, 1625, Lisbon.
" VestrsB Beverenti® in Christo,
"Ignatius STArroBD."*
The reader may see prefixed to the Eev. Bichard Verstegan's
" Bestitution of Decayed Intelligence," a complimentary sonnet
to the author bv this F. Tregian.
In the "Catholic Miscellany" of 1823, p. 193, may be seen a
life of this honoured confessor ; but it has many strange mistakes.
No. III.
Beferahle to page 20.
In the chancel of the parish church of Marldon, near Paignton,
Devon, I copied from the gravestone the following epitaph : —
" Sub hoc tumulo jacent Eduardus Caraeus, Auratorum Equitum
insigne Decus, et uxor ejus Margeria, senile admodum Par,
singulari Numinis favore tam in exitu, quam in decursu vitae,
doDatum. Cum enim annos ultra quinquaginta conjugali federe
traduxissent, octogenariam aniniam reddente Eduardo, corripitur
et morbo baud invite Margeria ceditque mox consimili fato,
* This reverend fAther died at Lisbon on 11th February, 1642, aged forty-
three. F. Forcer sorrived until 5th March, 1655, at. seventy-two.
206 APPENDIX.
Buperesse Yiro nescia: sic uter^ue yixit, sic uterque moritur:
difficile dixeris, * num vivos magis coluerit Patria an mortuos
luxerit. Qaid plura? Hoc uno tantum infelices extitSre, quod
infelicem Fatriam 8u4 morte reddidisse videantur.
" Obiit uterque Ann. Dom. 1654 : ille 14 Junii, ADtatis sua 80 :
ilia vero 19 ejusdem Junii, SDtatis su® 85.'*
N.B. She was of the Blackhurst family in Lancashire. ^
No. IV.
Beferdble to page 86.
The following document I copied from the handwriting of
John Arundell, and dated " Lanheme, the 8th day of November,
1697," throws light on his family. The writer died in 1701.
" My grandfather, or rather my grandmother who governed all
his affairs, had so great an apprehension, or at least pretended to
have, of my father's consuming all the estate after them, that they
tied him up with such an entail, as that, if he had kept up to the
strict letter of it, he would scarce have had a very bare subsist-
ence out of it. As it was, what with my grandmother's funeral,
whom he brought out of Wales into Cornwall, and cost him, as I
have been informed, £800 — my education abroad, which came to
a great deal — his repairing my mother's house. Long wood, in
which, as his servant has told me, he laid out £600, and some
other accidents, forced him to leave a considerable debt, somewhat
above £3,000, which I have not onlv faithfully paid, but even his
very legacies to the last farthing, although, by the known law of
England, I was not liable to either. It lav always heavy upon me
to consider how open to question many of those estates were, his
necessities forced him to grant ; and resolved, whensoever I could
find an expedient for it, to make them good, which by all the
advice I could take, there was no other way, than when my son
should come to be of age, to cut off the entail. It pleased &od
that both my sons died before they came to be of age ; so I was
forced to have recourse unto my brother, to join me in the docking
of the entail, of which I had aa good advice as was to be had in
England, and for the which I gave him one way or other, £4,000,
and after certain conditions agreed to, the estate resettled upon
him and his heirs male, which I did, as greatly apprehending the
credit his wife had with him (who was able to persuade him to
anything was in her power). There was in this new settlement,
provision for my two daughters, and for his daughter; and aa
much as was then due, has been accordingly paid, and what
remains, secured. After this there is a proviso, that in case I
outlived him, and he left no issue male, it should be in my power
to dispose of the estate as I pleased, either by any writing under
my hand and seal, or by my last will and testament. Now it
hath pleased Almighty Gbd, that I have outlived my brother
APPENDIX. 207
(who left no he^r male) these manj years; wherefore, findiog
myself absolutely free to dispose of my estate as I think best, I
have given it to my daughter, Dame Frances Belling, for the
reasons here following : — 1st, because my own child is nearer and
dearer to me than any other relation, she being no less nearer in
nature, or dearer to me than if she were a son, and I think it a
barbarity not to prefer my own child before any relation. And
tell me not of perpetuating a family ; it is a vanity and pride dis-
pleasing to the Great Disposer of all things, to think to make
that for ever durable, that he has determined shall be subject to
the common mutability of all earthly things. Next, I have stipu-
lated, that her children, who I hope will live to succeed her, shall
take the name of Arundell, and so maintain it as long as it shall
please Gk>d to permit, I have not (although my youngest daughter
has left children) divided the estate, as it is too little to bear that.
To one, it will give a fair subsistence : betwixt two, it will signify
little : besides that, I have given a very considerable portion to
my youngest daughter, £4,000 at present, and £4,000 more is
secured to her husoand, after my decease.
" Notwithstanding the many difficulties I have run through the
whole course of my life, yet it has pleased Almighty God to
preserve me to a great old ^e without want, and when I consider
what I have ^one through, I cannot but with the highest sense of
gratitude and thanks acknowledge the infinite bounty of Gtod to
me. I came to my estate almost in the midst of the civil war. I
have paid for my father's debts and legacies £8,300 and odd
pounds. I underwent many years sequestration, I know not well
now many myself. It cost me very near £3,000 to get off at last.
I have married my two daughters and given them ^,000 apiece.
I have paid to my brother's daughter £2,000, and secured to her
husband £1,000 more after my decease. I have &[iven and paid
£5,000 to my granddaughter Hales. I have bought an estate for
my grandson Dick BeluDg, which cost me near £3,000, and I
hope to leave him and his brother John, and his little sister, some
further remembrance of my kindness, notwithstanding the infi-
delity of a servant I too much trusted in my troubles, by whom I
have suffered, one way or other, to well near the value ot £4,000.
" JoHK Abukdbll."
No. V.
Beferable to page 106.
In page 105 I have spoken of the sanguinary farce and
tragedy of Oates's plot, but to show the system pursued by the
English cabinet from Queen Elizabeth's reign I copy part of a
letter written by Anthony "Windsor, who died in the year 1697.
He was son of Sir Edmund Windsor, Knight, and great-grandson
of Sir Anthony Windsor, Knight, brother of the Andrew W indsor
who was created Baron of Stanwell, and summoned to Farlia^
208 APPENDIX.
ment 3rd November, anno 21 Henry VIII. The learned and
pioua Pacifieus Baker, O.S.F., wlio died 16th March, 1774, set. 80,
copied it from the original.
" SiE, — ^Being now in the 75th year of my age, and thinking it
f roper to leave you some memoirs of the transactions of my time,
shall in the first place set down as a key to all the rest, a
remarkable passage that happened some time before the restora-
tion of the lite King Charles II. In the time of Oliver's usurpa-
tion the reputed delinquents and recusants were necessitated to
endeavour to make their compositions as well as they could ; and
for that purpose to attend upon the several committees, both at
London and in the country, as their different circumstances
required, and make what interest they could for the mitigation of
the high impositions laid upon them. On this troublesome occa-
sion Sir William Pershall, a gentleman of my acquaintance, who
had been cotemporary student and fellow-reveller with the great
Bradshaw at Gray's Inn, and by that means had contracted a
great friendship with him, found himself obliged to apply to him
for assistance. Many years had intervened since they had lived
together ; but yet, upon Sir William's first address to Bradshaw,
he assured him of the continuance of hU friendship, and that he
would confirm it by any favours be would do him, or any friend
of his. And I have heard Sir William affirm it to the gentlemen,
his friends, at the club or meeting then held in Hen and Chickens
Court, near St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet Street (where Sir
William constantly resorted), that he had experienced his favour
both to himself and others, and that he gave him freedom of
access to him at any time since upon his occasions. And I
remember he told us, that he had waited upon him once at his
closet, in or near to the council chamber ; and being thus alone,
Bradshaw, afler his free and familiar way, asked him, ' Sir
William, what do you think I am doing p'
" Sir William answered he could not guess, no otherwise than
that he was busy about the affairs of his great employ.
" * iSir,' said Bradshaw, * I am gtudyiftff politicks. They have
made me president of their council ; and lam reading Mr. Secretary
CeciVs instructions left them : and pray you, see how you Papists
are to be dealt with. For this, I assure you, is the Secretary's own
hand,^ giving him a loose sheet of paper, out of many others. Sir
William read it carefully ; and, I remember, told us of the club,
that the substance of it was —
"That the ministry should by no means be ever induced to
take off the penal laws ; but that when they perceived that by
their connivance and forbearing to put them in execution, the
Papists began to be too popular and agreeable both to their neigh-
bours in the country and to their relations and friends at court,
as bv their moral and charitable way of living they would not fail
to do, and even to be thought to deserve the privileges and
freedom of other subjects, and not the severity of persecution,
APPSNDIX. 209
merely for their oonBoience ; then to obviate and allay thia good
opinion of their relations and neigbbourSy the ministry must be
sure to fix mme odious duign upon them^ which would never fail
to be believed by the generality of the common people, and then
they might put the penal laws in execution to what degree they
should thuiK necessarv against them; and people woidd think
them kind and &vourable to let the Papists hve. But they must
never permit or suffer themselves to be prevailed with, to take off
the penal laws ; but reserve them as a bridle, to keep the Papists
out of all public employ in their country, and to depress them,
whenever they should think it necessary, or find them grow
more nnmerouSy or in greater favour and esteem with their
neighbours."
This, sir, I remember very well was the substance of what Sir
William told us he had read in that paper. And I ^ve you this
account of it the rather, because as I heafd him speak it and attest
it as a matter of fiust and a real truth, so I have often refiected
upon it, finding our modem state ministers pursuing the said
method exactly. Eor upon the restauration of King Cnarles II.,
when the poor Catholics, to a man almost able to bear arms, had
either fought or suffered for his father, addressed his first Parliar
ment, and petitioned, that in consideration of what they had done
and suffered in his service, and of their having been so signally
instrumental (as it had pleased GK>d to make them) in securing
his then present Majesty^s person from falling into his enemies'
hands, after the battle of Worcester, they might be favourably
looked u^on and admitted into the rank and privileges of his
other subjects, by removing those heavy penal laws so long kept
hanginff over their heads, and debazring them from all the privi-
leges of their birthright, and even enjoyed by those that had been
in that long rebellion against his father and himself; it waa
opposed by a great statesman and could not be obtained. A
toleration and connivance, however, was thought fit to be per-
mitted them, with a cessation from the execution of those penal
laws during their pleasure. And this the Catholics very con*
tentedl)r acquiesced unto, till about the middle of King Charles
II.'8 reign, as being no ways ambitious of bearing any nublic
offices. About that time the restless Presbyterian humour be^an
again to work ; and it was urged in Parliament, that the exemption
granted to the Papists was a greater benefit and advantage than
the rest of the Dissenting subjects enjoyed, and therefore it waa
thought fit that they ought at least to bear a double share of tiie
taxes. But the king, li^g very well satisfied of the loyal prin-
ciples and practices of his Catholic subjects, took off that pretence
by setting forth his proclamation for a general toleration and
indvdgence to all his subjects in the exercise of their religion, that
should not by their preaching and practices disturb the peace of
the kingdom. But this gave so great a disgust to some of our
principiu ministers of state, that Prince Bu^rt and some of the
sing's chief court favourites were employed to solicit and press
910 APPBKDIX.
hhn to reoal thai prodamalioii, and to au^geet to him that it
would be resented by his Parliament at their next session — ^that
they would give him no aids nor taxes till he had recalled it, and
perhaps woiud vote him incapable of doing it without them. This
movea the king, whose profuse expenses made him always wanting
of money, to recal the proclamation ; and thereby he encoura^d
our discontented cunning statesmen, and gave, them an occasion
to forge and foment that execrable pretended Popish plot, which
was set on foot soon after, to the destruction of divers honest,
innocent gentlemen and others, and to the hazard of ruining the
whole body of them throughout the nation. But that being
blown over with time, and the Qovemment grown weary of
sheddinc; so much innocent blood merely upon the oaths of a
pack or perjured villains and gaol-birds (indemnified and pen-
sioned for that end) as having found by all the strictest searches,
imprisonments, secret usage, examinations, and executions, and
oven by the dying speeches of those that suffered, they could not
discover the least tendency to or footsteps of sucn a horrid
design as the infamous Oates, his tutors and accomplices, had
suggested and sworn a^^ainst the Catholicks (they ail at their
deaths nrotesting their innocence, and the inconsistency of such
damnable designs with their £uth and religion). However, the
late memoz^r of it served our malicious Presbyterians to screen
their own wicked and real plot to destroy the king and duke of
York, and then (bad it not pleased Gk>d to prevent them in the
very execution of it) to lay it upon the Catholics and spread the
report of it through the whole nation, in order to their destruc-
tion. This was confessed by some of the chief actors, who were
condemned and executed, and by others who were convicted of
that cursed design, and had their pardon. The king dying some
few years after, &o. Here, the fiit aocompU of the revolution
suggested caution to Anthony Windsor, the writer.
** PericaloMe plenum opus alese
Tractai ; et inoedii per ignes
Svppoiitos cineri doloto."
No. VI.
Brferahle to page 189.
I have seen a letter, of the Abbess Howse addressed to Thomas
Weld, of Lullworth, Esq., detailing the wonderful cure wrought
on a lay sister of her convent at Taunton, 29th August, 1809.
Dr. Woodfbrdy who had attended the patient from March that
year, and had given his decided opinion on the impossibility of a
cure, on vritnessing this extraordinary event, " burst into tears,
and declared he must acknowledge it was an evident miracle, and
a wonderful interposition of divine F^vidQnce to show the efficacy
APPENDIX. 211
of fiuth and pnyer.** I subjoin a certificate of this supernatural
event, in perpeiuam rei memariam.
^Attestation and account of a miraculous cure of the arm of
sister Mary Ann Wood, one of our community, in the year 1809.
** On the 15th of March, 1809, she went to open a sash-window
in the washhouse, to let out the steam, and in doing so ran her
hand and arm through a pane of glasR, by which her arm was cut
transversely to a great depth. The surgeon declared the muscles
and nearly the whole of the tendons to be divided ; she suffered
for above four months the most acute pain. Though the wound
itself was (outwardly) healed in three weeks after the accident,
the swelling continued much longer; but in proportion as it
abated the mischief done became more apparent. The hand and
arm remained entirely useless ; and the suigeon remarked it was
a necessary and natural consequence of the mvision of the muscles
and tendons. The ends of one of the tendons were visiblv two
inches asunder ; gradually the arm seemed to contract, and with
the hand appeared to wither. After various trials of skill, the
surgeon declared it his opinion that she never could a^^ain have
the entire use of her hand, though she might of the tore-finger
and thumb ; but that all the H^ments or support of the two
middle fingers were eone. Sister Mary Ann, with the approbation
of the reverend mother abbess, determined to make a novena in
honour of St. Winifred: she had no idea of asking for a miracle ;
but confidently believed and hoped, that He who made her
arm, would restore to her, through the intercession of the Saint,
some small use of it. On the 6th of August she put a piece of
moss from Holywell on her arm, and began her novena ; after this
she suffered excruciating pain in it, so that she was tempted to
take off the moss, till she reasoned with herself that it could not
naturally occasion sudi pain. She continued particularly col-
lected all that evening, and praying mentally without takins notice
of her arm. To her great surprise, when she got up the next
morning, she found it perfectlv cured ! Her joy and cratitude were
unbounded, when, on repeated trials, she found her hand and arm
really restored to their full strength. The surgeon at first de-
dared the cure a miracle ; but human respects prevented him from
publidy attesting it.
^ The bishop of the district, the right Bev. Dr. CoUingridge,
after havine consulted Dr. Carpenter, an eminent surgeon of
London, and verified the acddent and cure throughout every cir-
cumstance, gave it as his decided opinion that the cure was super-
natural and an evident miracle.
*' That the particulars mav be accurately and authenticallv re-
corded, we the undersigned have drawn up this account,. and set
our names to it as eye-witnesses of the facts herein contained."
(Signed by the Abbess, Discretes, and Infirmarian.)
^ This copy is taken from the Archives."
p 2
APPKNOIX«
Bifihop Collingridge informed me that he BubBeqnenUy met
Dr. Woodford in the Market-plaoe of Tannton, who affirmed to.
him, in the presence of the Bev. Edward Weetman, that he had
no doubt that the cure waa Bupematural and an evident miracle.
I saw the arm in NoTember, 1810, and was quite satisfied on the
point.
This worthy laj sister survived until 16th January, 1847, and
would have completed ninety years of age, had she lived a day
longer.
£i the sacrisiy of the convent church at Taunton is the fol-
lowing tribute of gratitude to the memory of their great bene-
factor, the late Thomas Weld, Esq. : —
Yirgines
Deo Sacne
Saoerdotes quotquot hue sacra facturi Kal. Sextil. acoessistia
5recamur qufesumus<], uti memoriam agatis viri clarissimi
'homiB Weld, qui pridie Kalend. Seztiles, anno M.DCCG.X., festo
S. Ignatii die, cum de more sacra de Altari reverenter libasset,
morbo repentino correptus, postridie magno bonorum omnium
luctui placido exitu e vita emigravit. Is a pueriti4 ad omnem
pietatem excultus, divitiarum contemptor, egenorum alter ac
Bolator, ju8titi4 et beneficenti4 omnibus charus. Nobis pnecipuo
jure charissimus semper audiet, quod super c»tera beneficia, in
immani ill4 totius Belgii vastitate anno M.DCC.LXXXXIY. cum
Bru^nsi nostro CoBuobio essemus dilaj^ssD, tot casibus exhaustas,
ommum egenas dome sociavit, ad reliqui temporis spem erexit, et
ad sedem stabilem hie moliendam consilio atque opibus adjuvit.
Ne tantsd pietatis memoria intercideret, hiec Litteris consignari
placuit, cum m^orem Patrono bene merenti gratiam habetunuSi
quam titulo scribi possit.
E. I. P.
The above inscription was from the pen of their friend, the
Bev. Charles Plowden, S.J.
The following anniversaries I copied from an old Prayer-book
once belonging to a member of the Howard family : —
Ja».— Henry Howard, duke of Norfolk 11 Jan. 1684
William Lord Petre 6 do. 1688
William Dormer 27 do.
Lady Molineux 29 do.
i%J.— Eobert Browne 27 Feb. 1673
Prancis Hyldesley 26 do. 1682
March — Francis, earl of Shrewsbury 16 March
WilliamMoore 17 do. 1671
AFFENDIX« 213f
JtfiircA— The Lady Ann Shrewsburjr 22 March
Anne, duchess of York 81 do. 1671
4pr»Z— Charies, earl of Berkshire 14 April, 1679
Lady Aim Worcester 9 do.
Elizabeth Phillipson 27 do. 1681
Ma^—Old Lady Moore died on 12 May, 1653
Ann Moore 13 do.
Sir Walter Blount 19 do. 1671
P. Dormer..... 17 do.
Edmund Ployden 24 do. 1673
Charles Blount 29 do. 1685
James Giflford 80 do.
E. H 81 do.
Jii#i«— Thomas Moore 2 June, 1688
Lady Frances Yates 8 do.
Margaret Phillipson 9 do. 1681
Lady Marshall 13 do.
My dearest, child Fra. Moore, died... 3 do. 1683
Catherine Browne 25 do. 1688 '
July — Lady Alice Dormer 2 July,1650
Charles Prothero 4 do.
John Hide 15 do. 1676
Henry Arlington 28 do.
^.— T. Howard....; 3 Aug.
Lord William Stourton 8 do. 1685
David Lewis, at TJske 27 do.
Sq)i. — Old Sir Francis Moore 2 Sept.
Elizabeth Dormer 14 do.
My Lady Camaby 21 do.
My deare father, W. H 24 do.
Oc^.— Henry Jemeean 6 Oct. 1680
My own mother's anniversary 11 do.
My brother, E. H 13 do.
Bichard Dormer 17 do.
Sir William Dormer 22 do.
Eobert Dormer, at Peterly 28 do.
Ifov. — Gteorge Phillipson 9 Nov.
Anne Byron 11 do. 1652
Mary Dormer 11 do. 1679
Lord Bobert Dormer 18 do.
Edmund Ployden 23 do. 1677
In the handwriting of Henry, the 8th Lord Arundell (who died
at Wardour, 4th December, 1808, set. 68), I found the following
fiimily anniversaries : —
Jan, 14. — ^Mamiret Lady Arundell.
22.— Sir Matthew Arundell, Knt.
Feb. 10.— Thomas Lord Arundell.
24.— Eichard Arundell, of Lanheme, 1725.
214 APPENDIX.
FA. 26.— Sir Thomas ArandeU, Ent
28.— Frances Lady aiffiird,*1752.
March 10. — Mrs. Mary Arundel], my great aunt^ 1777.
21. — Cecily Lady Arundell.
22. — ^Mary Lady Arundell, mry mother, 1769.
— . — Mrs. Mary Arundell, or Prinoess'-street.
81.— Thomas Arundell, Esq., of Bath, 1784, SDt. 66.
April 21. — ^Henry Lord Arundell.
May 9. — Elizabeth Lady Arundell.
19. — Thomas Lord ArundeU.
22.— Elizabeth Eleanor Lady ArundelL
June 28. — ^Ann Lady Arundell.
80. — Henry Lord Arundell.
July 21. — Mr. Thomas ArundeU, my brother, 1781.
28. — Mar^;aret Lady Arundell.
Aug. 12. — Mana Lady Arundell.
25. — ^Ann Arundell, of Lanheme, my grandmother,
in 1718.
Sept, 12. — Henry Lord ArundeU, my &ther, 1756.
29. — ^Ann Lady Arundell.
Oct. 10. — Hon. Ann Arundell, mv great aunt, 1778.
28. — Blanche Lady Arundell.
Nov, 7. — ^Thomas Lord Arundell.
Dec, 23. — Margaret Lady Arundell.
27. — ^Henry Lord ArundelL
No. VII.
Brferahle to page 161. .
Synopsis of the informations against St. Susan's monastery at
LuUworth, in 1816, and of the correspondence with the English
Goyernment in consequence.
That false brother, James Power, mentioned in page 161, made
an affidayit on 16th March, 1816, to the following effect before
James Prampton, Esq., William Glavell, Esq., and Henry
Seymour, Esq., magistrates of the county of Dorset.
" That he was then twenty-four years of age ; that at the age
of seventeen he had entered the monastery of La Trappe, in East
LuUworth ; that he had been admitted to the religious profession,
and had been ordained sub-deacon in London; that the general of his
order, Dom Augustine de Lestrange, coming to England engaged
deponent to accompany him to Martinique ; that deponent had
laid his complaints against that superior before General Wale,
goyernor of Martinique, to whom he refers for aU particulars ;
that on returning to England he came back to LuUworth monas-
tery in July, 1814, with the yiew of receiying deaoonship and
priesthood; that about nine weeks ago he escaped from that
convent, having in the course of the summer of 1815 made
APPiiioix. 215^
aoquaintance with a neighbouring gentleman (Colonel Wood*
forae), who provided him with clothes for makins such escape ;
that he had since, from conviction of the errors of the Church of
Borne, made a public recantation of that faith in Blandford
church ; that, about three months ago, an Irishman from Carriek,
called Gregory, having succeeded in escaping from the convent^
was brought back, was degraded, doselj confined, and barbie
rouslj treated, and beaten; that Protestant children were
received in the monastery, and educated in the Boman Catholio
faith ; that, in returns of persons liable to serve in the militia, the
lay brothers are described as clergy to evade the ballot. Depo*
nent believes that Thomas Weld, Esq., is ignorant of the forcible
detention of persons in the monastery, and of the other abuses
therein."
This affidavit was forwarded, on the said 18th of March, 1816,
to Lord Sidmouth, Secretary of the Home Department.
On 6th April, 1816, Mr. Becket, the Under-Secretary of that
Department, requested of the magistrates further information
respecting the monastery. Their answer, dated Dorchester,
10th April, 1816, was signed by
Jamxs Fbamptoit, ^
WiLLiAJH Pitt, Ct?^ii;i««
William Clavell, r-^^*™«i
HSKBT SeTMOUB, & )
Bbt. William Ekglaitd, archdeacon of Dorset.
It sets forth, that they know tu4 whether Gregory be still con-
fined ; that ten members, they believe, had left the house since
Power's deposition was taken ; that General Wale's letter to the
bishop of Bristol confirms Power's statement of Lestrange's
conduct ; that it is very true, much difficulty does exist in pro-
curing the returns of the members liable to serve in the militia ;
that a monk, called Dosith^e had, according to Power's informa-
tion, been subjected to very cruel treatment; that, notwithstanding
the return of peace, the monastery wore everv appearance of a
permanent establishment ; and that they firmly believe it would
give the greatest satisfaction if the Society could be dissolved.
On 26th April Lord Sidmouth sent to the said Mr. Weld the
deposition of Power, and the complaint of the magistrates, and
observed that the monastery had undergone a complete chanse
from its orifipoial institution, and was viewed now as a refuge tor
fugitives ; that he hoped Mr. Weld would take such measures as
would prevent the interference of Government.
In replv, Mr. Weld thanked his lordship for his communica-
tion, and lamented that the -magistrates had thought proper to
conceal from him the charges against the establishment. He
expressed his perfect conviction of the innocence of its members,
and signified the anxious wish of the superior, Pere Antoine, t
216 APPBNDIX.
be allowed the opportimitj of justifyinff himself, and of being
confironted with his accosen. Mr. Well concluded with jno-
fessing his readiness to assist Gh>Teniment in making erery
inquiry.
On 2nd May Lord Sidmouth signified to Mr. Weld, that he
should proceed to adopt such measures as might be necessary for
bringing back the estaDlishment at Lullworth within its original
limits, both with respect to the number and description of persona
who were permitted to resort to it. How far it miffht be deemed
adyisable to sanction the continuation of the establishment when
so limited, might be matter for further consideration.
On 13th May Mr. Weld signified to Lord Sidmouth, Pere
Antoine's arriyiu in London, and his anxiety to have the honour
of an audience. Mr. Weld proposed that Lord Clifibrd (who had
been particularly intimate with the late Thomas Weld,. Esq., from
the foundation of the monastery) might be allowed to be present.
On 17th May the audience took place, and proved tolerably
satisfactory. It appeared that no active measures would l>e
directed against tie establishment; and that an opportunity
would be afforded of clearing up its credit. Still nothing conclu-
sive was settled.
A few days after the interview of the 17th, Lord Clifford
waited on Lord Sidmouth, who stated that, all circumstances
taken inte consideration, he deemed it unnecessary to enter
further inte the business ; but that he wished the superior would
not increase the present number of his community, and would
embrace the first opportunity to remove elsewhere.
On 12th June, 1816, the superior addressed the following note
to Lord Sidmouth : —
*^ MiLOBD, — Je m'engage, aussit^t que P^tat de la France et
nos propres affaires permittoront, k y transporter notre ^tablisse-
ment et toute notre colonie ; et jusqu' k cette ^poque, je promote
de ne pas augmenter le nombre des habitans de notre mabon."
This note was delivered to his lordship by the bishop of TJseSy
who received for answer, that the declaration of I'Abb^ Saulnier'a
intentions had given him great satisfaction.
N.B. Mr. Joseph Steines, surgeon, of Wareham, in his letter
to the abbot on 9th May, 1816, expressly declares that Brother
Gregory laboured under violent mental derangement, and that in
consequence, he (Mr. Staines) had recommended confinement;
that he had not the smallest doubt of the propriefy with which
that restraint was exercised ^ from the decorum and good order
which is always kept in your esteblishment, which, from my
frequent visits, 1 have had many opportunities of witnessing, and
which I shall always be ready to attest in any mode that shall be
proposed."
That Dosith^e was a perfect madman, is evident from the letter
he wrote to llr. Hyde, the rector of Wareham, and a magistrate
of Dorset. It bore date 29th May, 1815.
APPBNBIZ. 217
The yeneimble abbot, in a letter to tbe said Lord Clifford,
dated Lullworth, 6th June, 1816, after stating that calumny had
obliged him to visit London, and that his recent return had
comforted and tranquillized his dear community, feelingly and
justlj remarks, *'La tranquillity et la paiz sont les nchesses
d'un religieuz. Le bonheur gist principalement dans r i mag i na*
tion, et il est dangereux d'inquietor les hommes, qui n'etant
distraits par aucune affiure, s'affectent et se trouolent plus
ais^ment que d'autres. J'ai gard6 d^ lors un profond silenoe
Bur toutes mes id^es de transmigration." He then proceeds to
obserye that he had been willing, in conformity to the wishes of
his friends, to decline for a year or eighteen months to admit
British subjects into his order ; but such an arrangement could
be but temporary, as otherwise the existence of the convent
would be endangered ; and that he had come to the decision, aa
soon as he could settle the business of the premises with
Mr. Weld, of passing over to Eranoe. ** En oela j*agis par devoir
et par conscience ; mais nullement par inclination et par go&t.
J'amie I'Angleterre ; je suis fortement attach^ i des Jieux, oii
nous vivons en paix depuis vingt ans, que nous avons arros^ de
nos sueurs, que nous avons en quelque sorte cr^, et oii jusqu'i
ce moment nous* avons joui d'une tranquillity profonde. Je ne
me fais pas illusion sur I'^tat de la j'rance : elle n'a rien ^ui
m'attire ; mais j'ai d£p6t pr^euz. J'en suis comptable k Dieu
et k I'Eglise : je dois prendre tons les moyens en mon pouvoir
pour le perp^tuer: ma negligence et mon indiff($renoe me
rendroient coupable." He adds, if Lord Sidmouth would agree
to a maximum, — if the community might be allowed to consist of
forty, or even thirty, members invariaDiy, and no more, he would
cheerfully acquiesce in such arrangement. The Government
mi^ht look upon the community as a society of agriculturists,
and very reasonably ; for the convent undeniably excelled their
neighbours in the cultivation of potatoes ; they fed eightjr pigs
during the winter with sea-weed ; they were then preoaring to
bum their collection of weeds for glass and soap,^ ana by this
process the soap they made was as good as the article manufac-
tured at Cherbourg, or at Alicant. Their little manufSustory of
doth might also deserve encouragement. They took the entire
charge of their own sick and aged without any assistance from
the parish. Nor was it possible that the severity of the rule
could add to the number of convento. In the whole of Catholic
France before the Bevolution, there was but one house of La
Tr^pe, BO that from multiplication the British Government had
no cause for alarm.
This highly-gifted religious, Anne Nicholas Charles Sadnier,
was bom, on 20th August, 1764, at Joigny in Champagne, of a
very respecteble £&milv. His father was the principal magistrate
there. At the age of twenty-five he was a licentiate in law, and
D.D. at Paris. He joined the Trappisto at LuUworth, with Fere
218 APPBNDIX.
Ealemon, in June, 1795. Chosen the fourth prior of St. Susan's,
Pope Pius YII. raised him to the dignity of abbot in 1818, and>
month of May; and in August following, as he informed me
himself, he was blest as such bj Bishop Poynter in London.
This accomplished scholar and gentleman, considerate superior,
and solid religious, died, uniyers^j lamented, at Meilleraye, near
Nantes, on 6th January, 1889, SBt. seyentj^-four.
1 cannot do better than transcribe hu letter to his English
subjects, written 12th November, 1881, after their wanton expul-
sion from Meilleraye.
" Mes Bixir-AiMBS EsxBXs XT EmTANS,— Jc partage avec bien
de la tendresse votre affliction et vos souffrances: je Toudrais
qu'il fiit en mon pouToir de m'offrir pour souffrir & yotre place ;
mais prenez courage : souyenez-yous de ce ^ue dit rEvangiie que
nous lisions bier, a la f6te de tous las Saints de notre Ordre :
ELeureux ceux qui souffrent persecution pour la justice ; car le
Boyaume des Cieux leur appartient. Je remercie Dieu du fond de
mon coBur de la fortitude et du courage ayec lesquels yous
supportez cette injuste et s^v^re ^preuve; mais continuez de
mettre en Lui toute yotre confiance. II est bien ^lorieux pour
yous de porter maintenant Tillustre, Thonorable titre de Uon-
fesseurs ue la Foi: mais rendez-yous dignes d*un nom aussi
grand, par yotre enti^re soumission k la sainte yolont^ de Dieu.
B^nissez ceux qui yous pers^cutent, loin de les maudire ; rappelez-
yous que tout ce qui est passager est l^ger, et que les tribiuations
de cette yie n'ont aucune proportion ayec la gloire qui yous est
pr6paree. Je ne sais, si je serai assez heureux pour yous yoir
encore, i>our vous serrer dans mes bras sur cette terre d'affliction ;
mais j*ai la ferme confiance en Dieu, que par les m^rites et le
sang sacr^ de notre Dirin Maitre et !Riedempteur notre Seigneur
J^sus-Christ, par la protection de notre bonne et tendre Mere
la glorieuse Yierge Marie, et sous la tutelle de tous les Anges et
de tous les Saints, bientdt nous nous trouyerons tous r^unis dans
cet 6temel S^jour, dans lequel nous aimerons, louerons, et adorerons
Dieu pendant toute r^temit^.
** C est dans ces dispositions, mes chers et bien-aim^s Fr^s et
Enfans, ^u'ayec un cceur d^chir^, et la plus tendre affection, en
priant Dieu de yous b6nir, je yais yous donner ma plus sincere et
plus paternelle benediction.
" Au nom du Pere, et du Pils, et du Saint-Esprit. Votre Pftre,
Frere, et Ami.
" F. AwTOiyx, Abbe de Meilleraye,
' " Superieur-Gen6ral."
By a letter receiyed from F. A. Hawkins, dated Stapehill,
23ra October, 1865, J learn, that this excellent abbot, P. Antoine,
after witnessing the dispersion of more than 150 of his brethren
in 1831, was permitted to retain from 25 to 80 with him;
and that as the times grew more settled, the scattered sheep
rejoined their pastor to the number of 60 before his death — that
APPBRDIX. 219'
presently the co]ximimit7 at Meilleraye oonsiBts of about 180
fervent members, after havine s^t put 4 or 5 colonies — ^that in
the monastery of Aqua Bdla, in Eranoe, there are now 230
monks, and that in another eonyent there are 220 nuns!"
Blessed be Gk>d for thus bafiEUng the malice of man. ^Sicut
tenebra» ejus, ita et lumen ejus " (Pe. 188).
No. vni.
Alluded to in foge 198.
The following address, signed by 160 members of the congrega*
tion at Febrooke, was presented, 27th September, 1885, to F.James
BrownbiU: —
<' To the Bey. James Brownbill, S. J.
^ We, the undersigned members of your congregation, on the
ere of your quitting us to return to the cottage of Stonyhurst, bes^
respectfully to express to you our heartfelt ree^ret at this painfiu
separation. How can we out be overwhelmed with affliction, at
losing a pastor endeared to us during a residence of nearly five
years, by such parental vigilance and solicitude, who, in the days
of sickness and tribulation, has proved himself to be our kindest
visitor, friend, and counsellor P We could never forgive ourselves,
reverend sir, if we failed to convey to you this testimony of our
gratitude, and if we did not assure you that we must ever take a
special interest in your health and happiness. Accept our humble
but constant and fervent petitions to tiie throne of grace for your
temporal and eternal welfare ; and deim occasionally to remember'
at tne altar your now sorrowful and ever-attached children in
Jesus Christ.
220 APPENDIX
NOTE& AND QUERIES.
I. Who were John and Jane Walker, whose anna appear on a
chalice at Ghidiock Chapel P On the hexagon foot 1 ohserved
engraved the cmcifixion, the Y irgin Marj with twelve stars encir>
cling her head, and her feet resting on the crescent — Ora pro
animabus Johannis Walker et Johanne nxoris ejus.
n. My readers are aware that Dr. John Carroll was the first
bishop appointed for the United States of America ; that the
Bull of Pope Pius YL so appointing him Bishop of Baltimore,
bears date 6th I^ovember, 1789 ; and that the consecration of his
lordship was performed in Lullworth Chapel by Bishop Walmesley
on 15th August, 1700. But it is not generally known that Charles,
the late Lord Clifford, furnished the design of the official seal
for the new prelate. The form was circular. Beneath the hat
and tassells, in the centre of a circle, stood the Virgin Mother and
the Divine Infant ; over her head are thirteen stars, emblematical
of the thirteen United States ; at her feet are the keys in saltier.
The legend of the obverse was JOHAinrxs xpisoopub baxti-
HOBiBKSis. In the reverse appears the Blessed Virgin as before,
with the legend kx nuxLiNQUAB kob, noHunB nxus kostsb.
. Q. Is the seal, mutatii muUmdia^ still in use at Baltimore P
N.B. At the svnod holden at Baltimore, 9th May, 1852 (mrabUe
dietu)^ 6 archbishops, 25 bishops, and about 60 priests attended !
Deo Oratias* In 1856 the Catholic population of the United
States is nearly two millions and a half, with 7 archbishops and
85 bishops^ 1,760 priests, about 2,000 churches^ 24 colleges,
87 seminaries, and 180 French schools.
m. When at Lullworth in 1810 1 saw a picture of a deceased
person laid out in the Franciscan habit, with this inscription ; —
*'Vera effigies lUustrissimi Domini Edwardi Widdrington,
Equitis et Baronetti, BDtatis su® 57. Obiit anno 1671, 18
Junii."
Q. 1. Was he the third son of William, the second Lord
Widdrington P And if so, 2. Was he undo to Hon. Peregrine
Widdrington, who married Mary, Duchess of Norfolk, relict of
Thomas, eighth Duke of Norfolk. Ob. 1747. 8. When was this
Edward Widdrington created a baronet ?
rV. Was Dr. Bonaventure Gifford bom at Wolverhampton^ as
Dodd asserts (vol. iii. Church History, p. 469) P Secondly, Was his
surname Biihop, as Hals, the contemporary Cornish historian,
contends P His report of the doctor, under the parish qf St
Matogan^ in Pydre^ is circumstantial and curious i-^
** One BishoVf of this parish, in his youth, after his school edu-
cation at Betallock, in St. Columb Major, in the Latin and Greek
AFPBNDIX. 221
tongaes under Mr. John Coode, that ftmoos schoolmaster, was
taken by the cost and care of Sir John Arundell, of Lanheme,
from thence, and placed by him in Douay College, in Flanders,
where he took orders as a Catholic Boman nri^ and became
house-ehaplam to the said Sir John Arundell, Knt. ; and from
thence visited and confirmed the Boman Catholics in those parts
for many year by thepretended name of Mr, Qjffbrd. He died at
Hammersmith, near London, 20th March, 1783, aged ninety-nine
years, and ordered his body to be opened, and his heart to be
taken out and sent to Douay aforesaid, and kept in spirits, and
his body to be buried in St. Fancras Church, London. (London
Oazeite, 28rd March, 1783.) He was made D.D. by the college
aforesaid, and consecrated Bishop of ■ ■ ' ■ in the banqueting-
house at Whitehall, in the last year of King James 11.*' So &
Hals.
Certainly, he was consecrated Bishop of Madura, a city on the
north of Africa^ by the papal nuncio Ferdinand D'Adda on 22nd
April, 1688, and was appointed first Y .A. of the Midhmd District.
On the death of Bishop John Leybum he was transferred to
London. His epitaph in St. Fancras shows he was bom in 1644,
and that he diea 12th March, 1783, consequently but eighty-nine
years old.
His junior brother Andrew, D.D., had died 14th September,
1714, having refused the Bishopric of Csssarea, and the govern-
ment of this Western District, void by the resignation of Bishop
Philip Ellis, promoted to Segni by Pope Clement XL
PART II.
BIOGEAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY
IN THX OOUITTIEB OT
CORNWALL, DEVONSHIEE, D0ESET8HIRE, SOMERSETSHIRE,
WILTSHIRE, AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE,
FROM THB
PERIOD OF THE BEFOBMATION UNTIL THE PRESENT YEAR 1866.
Quidnam dalcius, quain majorum reoenaere gratiam, ut eomm
acta cognoscas, a quibus aoceperis et rndimenta fidei et incitamenta
bene vivendi? — (Gul. Malmesb, de Grestis Pontif. Angl.)
PREAMBLE.
In looking over this catalogue, the reader may be sur-
prised at the vast proportion of members of religious orders
that have been employed in cultivating the western part of
this English vineyard of our blessed Lord and Saviour; and
if his heart be truly inflamed with the zeal of God's house,
— ^if he seek not his own, but the things that are of Christ, —
he will rejoice at the loyal co-operation of the secular with
the regular clergy in promoting the salvation of immortal
souls purchased by the blood of a common Redeemer. Had
not these efficient men considered themselves as officers
engaged in the same honourable service, with a community
of feelings and interests, though arrayed in different
uniforms, and marshalled under distinct regimental colours,
— ^if they had not scorned that party spirit which induced
the Corinthian converts to cry out, ** I am of Paul, and I of
ApoUos, and I of Cephas,^' (1 Cor. i.), *' as if Christ was
divided,*' says the Apostle, — had they yielded to such per-
sonal jealousies and such pitiful feelings, the sacred fire
of religion would long since have been extinguished
amongst us.
At the express recommendation of Dr. Allen, the founder
of Douay College, that sanctuary of learning and nursery
of martyrdom, the Jesuits were sent to the aid of the
secular clergy in 1580 ; the children of St. Benedict added
their reinforcement about the end of Queen Elizabeth's
reign, and the sons of SS. Dominic and Francis eagerly
volunteered into the same distinguished service. All these
men of Ood were intimately persuaded that the King of
kings and Lord of lords, in His sovereign independence,
stands in no need of any of His creatures ; but that if He
condescend to employ any of them to perform His work, —
if He engage them as ministering spirits to do His will, —
they shouJd feel it as a gratuitous honour, and exclaim with
the blessed Virgin, ''Fecit mihi magna qui potens est, —
exaltavit humiles.'' For it is God alone who gives the
increase, who bestows the victory. It is He who crowns His
Q
226 PREAMBLE.
own gifts; and provided He be honoured and glorified, we
ought to feel indifferent as to the instruments whom He
selects for His purposes. Hence F. Bothaan, the late General
of the Jesuits, in his encyclical letter to his subjects, dated
1st January, 1847, properly condemns those as guilty of
great indiscretion and folly who imagine that Jesuits were
necessary for the maintenance of Chod's Church, which is
built on the adamantine rock of ages. '^Procul absit k
nobis hujusmodi cogitatio, probe scientibus, Deo, cum setemis
promissis Ecclesiae institutio innixa est, nullum hominem,
neque uUam hominum congregationem, esse necessariam:
qui, si cujus oper& uti dignatur in Ecclesise suae cau8& promo-
Tend&, vel tuend&, insigne beneiicium prsebet, non meritum
rependit: qui potest etiam de lapidibus suscitare filios
Abrahse ; cui proinde supplicandum est : Conserva me,
Domine'^ (Psalm xv.), " quoniam speravi inte. Dixi Domino,
Deus mens es tu, quoniam bonorum meorum non eges.''
It would be absurd, however, to deny that occasionally, in
times happily gone by, the enemy of human tranquillity and
prosperity did succeed in sowing the tares of jealousy and
factious disunion in some portion of the English vineyard.
But this is only a proof of the infirmity of poor human
nature, that priests are not angels, but men, liable to forget
the divine counsel, "Be ye perfect, even as your heavenly
Father is perfect.'' — (Matt. v. 4S.) Therefore we are not to
be surprised that such events have transpired ; but we are to
lament them, to cast a veil over them, to pray and to watch
against their recurrence. Let it be our study to show that
we consider ourselves as the citizens of the saints and the
domestics of God; let us seek to rejoice Heaven by our
union of heart and soul, by being lovers of harmony, and
delighting in our respective vocations. And let every priest
implore God to say to us all, in His mercy, " Reddam populis
labium electum : ut invocent onuies in nomine Domini, et
serviant ei humero uno.'' — (Sophonias iii. 9.)
I
Jiffgrartital fist of i\t Ckrgj*
A.
Adams^ John, bom at Martin's Town^ Dorset^ from a
Calvinist miaister became a feirent Catholic^ and, eager to be
an instmment in the conversion of erring souls, crossed over
to Rheims to qualify himself for the priesthood. He
returned home a missionary in 1581. Apprehended, he was
sent into banishment four years later; but his zeal for his
neighbours' salvation induced him to re-appear in the vine«
yard, where he soon fell into the persecutors' hands : and on
8th October, 1586, he expiated, by a glorious death at
Tyburn, that crime of high treason affixed by English law to
the character and functions of the priest according to the
order of Melchizedec. Father Warford, S.J., who had
known him, relates that Hampshire was the chief arena of
his apostolic labours ; that he was of the middle size, appa-
rently about forty years of age, had a darkish beard, cheeif ul
countenance, black eyes, ready speech, and was ^'ingenii
simplicis et admodum pii : laboriosus imprimis."
Adamson, Vincent Robert, O.S.D., a native of Lan-
cashire, who consecrated himself early to bis Maker in
the Order of St. Dominic. On 29th September, 1825, he
reached Harpury Court as assistant to the Rev. Dr. Brittain,
the director of the Dominicanesses there. But his career of
usefulness was destined to be short indeed; for God was
pleased to take him to Himself on 10th May, 1831, in the
thirty-second year of his age.
Agar, William Seth, bom near York on Christmas-day,
1815, was ordained at Prior-park, and succeeded the Rev.
William Joseph Yaughan as incumbent of Lyme, at mid-
summer, 1845. Unquestionably he added much to the
improvement of its church. On 15th July, 1849, he
presented twenty-three for confirmation. We have from his
pen ''A CathoUc Catechism, methodically arranged for the
Use of the Uninstructed,'' which is a translation from the
Q 2
228 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
Italian of Dr. Rosmini Serbati. Mr. Agar's state of health
at length dictated the expediency of a relaxation from the
labours of his mission. After an excursion amongst his
friends, he supplied at Salisbury for a time; but feeling
much recovered, he resumed his pastoral duties at Lyme.
However, the place again disagreeing with him, the Bishop
transferred him to Spetisbury, where he is rendering valuable
service ; and on 16th September, 1856, he was installed a
canon of the Plymouth chapter in the room of Canon Tilbury,
deceased.
AiNswoRTH, Ralph, O.S.B. — This exemplary missioner
served Bath for two years as assistant priest, and for twenty
years as chief pastor. Finding the chapel in Corn Street much
too contracted for his increasing flock, he boldly purchased
the old theatre and some adjoining premises, and succeeded,
by the 3rd December, 1809, in converting that theatre into
the present spacious chapel of St. John the Evangelist.
From its wall I copied the following epitaph : —
In a vault
Beneath this chanel.
In the hope of a glorious Kesurrection,
Repose the mortal remains
of
The Rev. Ralph Ainsworth,
Who for the long period of 20 years
Filled the important office
Of chief Pastor of this Congregation,
Respected and heloved,
And to whose memory this monument is erected
By the gratitude of his numerous friends.
Obiit 5 Februarii, 1814, etatis 50.
Allam (Ambrose), William, O.S.B. — ^All that I can
collect of this religious is, that he succeeded P. John
Panting, S.J., at Bonham, in 1783 ; and that at the end of
six years he removed to Coventry, where he concluded his
pious course on 5th September, 1812, deeply regretted.
Allen, Francis. — That he was a secular priest, and was
stationed in Cornwall during the reign of King Charles I.,
is certain. Dodd, in his Church History (vol iii. p. 149),
has recorded one of his letters from that county; but in
vain I look for other particulars.
Anderdon, William Henry. — ^While vicar of St. Mar-
garet's, Leicester, he embraced the Catholic faith. I under-
stand that he has recently been appointed chaplain to
Viscount Campden, eldest son and heir of the earl of Grains-
borough, at Campden House, co. Gloucester.
.BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLERGY. 229
Anderson^ William, S.J., bom 12tli June, 1689;
admitted into the order 7th June, 1721, and distinguished
himself by his mathematical and astronomical science. One
who knew him assured me that he resided for some time at
Leighland, the seat of the Rowes, in Somersetshire. But
he was subsequently transferred into Lincolnshire, where he
died superior of his brethren of the College of St. Hugh, at
Eingerby, the seat of the Youngs, near Market Basen, on
25th August, 1764.
Angelus, a Sto. Francisco, O.S.P., alias Eichard
Mason, whom Dodd by mistake divides into two distinct
persons. — (Church History, vol. iii. pp. 100, 113.) That he
was an Englishman is certain, — probably a Yorkshireman ;
yet Harris, in his " Writers of Ireland,'' claims him for a
native of that country. In the " Rambler '' of July, 1850,
I have given a catalogue of the writings of this learned
scholar. For a time, it appears that he was chaplain at
Wardour. Worn out with labours in the service of religion,
he obtained permission at length to quit England, and retire
to St. Bonaventure's Convent at Douay, 1 1th October, 1675,
'^ut sibi et Deo ibidem vacet;'' and there he slept in the
Lord on 30th December, 1678, act, seventy-eight, prof,
forty-eight, sac. forty-four.
Apricr, Ildefonsus, O.S.B., probably a native of Somer-
setshire, and perhaps a descendant of William Aprice,
gentleman, who is mentioned, in Rishton^s Diary of the
Tower, to have been thrown into the Pit on 27th August,
1584, for twenty-three days, and again on 24th September
dropped into that horrible dungeon for forty-eight days. I
think this religious father, like his brother Joseph, was pro-
fessed at St. Laurence's Convent, Dieulwart. Subsequently,
he was one of the monks appointed to serve St. James's
chapel, London, and at the Revolution had to share in all
the reverses of his brethren. But he died quietly in London
on 18th March, 1712.
Aprice, Joseph, O.S.B., brother of the above. This
chaplain of King James 11. grew into such favour, that F.
Weldon,* in his " Chronologiod Notes/' a work to which I am
* F. Ralph (Bede) Weldon, of the ancient family of Weldon, of
Swanscomhe, near Gravesend, was the seventeenth child of his parents
Colonel George Weldon and Lucy (Necton) his wife ; Ralph was bom
in London 12th April, 1674, and was christened at tlie Savoy. He lost
his father on 30th March, 1679 ; but his mother survived until 26th
April, 1702. Converted to the Catholic faith by that zealous monk
F. Joseph Johnston, he made his abjuration at St. James's, on 12ih
230 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT.
fiingularly indebted^ informs us that " his Majesty would have
him in his service wherever he went^ and that he died in the
fifty-third year of his af^e at St. Edmund's House^ Paris^ on
25th July,* 1703, in the very chamber where James II. used
to lie, when he honoured that house with his pious retreats.''
Q. Was not his friend, Mr. Charles Penruddock, who died at
Paris in March, 1679, set. twenty-eight, and in whose vault
at St. Edmund's F. Aprioe was buried, son of the Colonel
John Penruddock, beheaded at Exeter by order of Oliver
Cromwell, May, 1665, for proclaiming Charles II. King of
England ?
In Hayward's Vindication of Charles Fox's history may
be seen (No. 8, Appendix) a letter of this F. Aprice, on the
death of King Charles II. and the accession of King James II.
Atlward (Dominic), John, O.S.D., bom at Leeds 4th
April, 1813. In early life, viz. 15th January, 1834, he was
professed among the Dominicans at Hinckley, where he was
ordained priest by Bishop Walsh, 10th March, 1838. After
succeeding his former Master of Novices, F. Procter, in the
ofSce of provincial, he was in 1854 appointed his successor
also in the priorship of the monastery at Woodchester, which
he most worthily governs.
B.
Bacon, Gregory, O.S.B., ob. apud Stoke, co. Gloucester,
4th April, 1663.
Baoos, Charles Michael, Right Rev. — In the " Weekly
and Monthly Orthodox Journal," of June, 1849, I published
a full account of this amiable and learned prelate. He was
the eldest son of Charles Baggs, Esq., by his wife Eleanor
Kyan, and was bom in the county of Meath, on 21st May,
1806. His father was a Protestant barrister, and destined
his sou also for the legal profession; but a sad reverse of
fortune, and his sudden death in 1820, induced his pious
mother to withdraw her child firom the Protestant school
October, 1687. On 17th December, 1690, he took the Benedictine
habit at Douay, and was professed l«3th January, 1692. Of his congre-
gntion and of religion he aeserves every praise for Iiis two folio volumes
of ** Chronological Memoirs," all written in his own bold band, now at
Ampleforth. At the beginning of volume ii. I read, "These two tomes
cost me from the evening or dusk of Trinity Sunday, about the middle
of June, that half month, July, August, September, October, to the
7th of November, 1707, on which day I finished them. Glory be to the
eternal wisdom of God.*' Perhaps he made the abridgment of that work,
now at Downside, continued till 1713 ; for he died 23rd November of
that year.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBBOY. 281
in June that year^ and place him first at Sedgley-park
Academy for a twelvemonth^ and then transfer him to
St. Edmnnd's College. In the spring of 1825 his superiors,
charmed with his docility, industry, and talent, sent him to
the English College at Bome, where in due time he was pro-
moted to priesthood ; and so rapidly did he rise in the esti-
mation of all around him, that he was appointed vice-
president of the college, and iinallv president, when Dr.
Wiseman was nominated to the see oi Melipotamus, to which
he was consecrated 14th June^ 1840. Pope Gregory XYI.,
an exceUent ludge of merit, treated Dr. Baggs with marked
distinction ; he made him his honorary chamberlain, giving
him the privilege of introducing to an audience all the Britisn
gentry ; and he executed this office with admirable tact and
courtesy, so as to win golden opinions.
When the news reached the Eternal City that Dr. Baines,
Bishop of Siga, was no more, the eyes of the public were
directed to our English president as the fit person to succeed
to the charge of this Western District. His Holiness coin-
cided in this opinion, and Dr. Baggs was consecrated to it by
the title of Bishop of Pella, in St. Gregory's Church at Rome,
on 28th January, 1844, by Cardinal Fransoni, assisted by
Dr. Brown, then Bishop of Tloa, now of Liverpool, and Dr.
Collier, Bishop of Port Louis, in the Mauritius. I have
heard Bishop Baggs repeat, that on taking leave of that
illustrious Pope, his Holiness enjoined him above all things
to inculcate union and charity amongst his flock. Circum-
stances prevented the bishop from taking possession of his
diocese before Thursday, 30th May, 1844. His arrival at
Prior-park was welcomed by the clergy and laity. On 1st
June he held an ordination, when three were promoted to the
priesthood, and four were made deacons. The summer was
spent in visiting his extensive diocese. On 2nd September
he opened at Prior-park a general spiritual retreat for his
clergy. On 2nd October he divided the diocese into four
deaneries, to enable his clergy to meet together for theological
discussions ; but whilst, like his patron, St. Charles Borromeo,
pastoral solicitude was rendering him glorious, it was truly
painful to us all to witness that our variable climate was
impairing and destroying his delicate constitution. We had
hoped, almost against hope, that he might recover his pristine
elasticity ; but alas ! he rapidly succumbed under prostration
of strength, and gently expired at Prior-park on 16th October,
1845. On the 23rd his precious remains were laid by the side
of his immediate predecessor. Bishop Baines, in the new church
commenced at the college.
232 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROT.
His coflSn was thus inscribed : —
*
Carol us Michael Baggs,
EpiscopuB Pellensis, Y. A. D. O.
Obiit XVII. Kalendas Novembrisy
Anno Domine mdcccxlt.,
Episcopatus sui aecando.
Vixit Annos xxxix. Menses v.
Cujus anime propitietur Deus.
In consequence of the breaking up of the coU^e at
Prior-park, his remains have been recently removed to a
vault in Midford Chapel, bj the kindness of the ConoUy
family.
A high encomium of this estimable prelate appeared in the
columns of the Morning Post, of November 3, 1845.
Dr. Baggs published — 1. At Rome, in 1836, a Letter ad-
dressed to the Kev. R. Burgess, B.D., the Protestant chaplain
in that city.
2. A Discourse on the Supremacy of the Roman Pontiffs,
delivered in the Church of Gesu e Maria, in the Corso, Rome,
on Sunday, February 7th, 1836, and dedicated to Cardinal
Weld. This discourse was translated into Italian, by Augusto
Garofolini, and afterwards printed at the Tipograiia delle Belle
Arti : at Rome that year Dr. Baggs translated, himself, into
Italian, his letter to Mr. Burgess, which was printed also
in 1836.
3. The Papal Chapel, described and illustrated from History
and Antiquity, 1839, and dedicated to Cardinal Acton.
4. The Ceremonies of Holy Week, at the Vatican, and
St. John Lateran's ; with an account of the Armenian Mass
at Rome, on Holy Saturday, and the Ceremonies of the
Holy Week, at Jerusalem : Rome, 1889. Dedicated to the
present Hugh C. Lord Clifford.
5. The Pontifical Mass, sung at St. Peter's Church on
Easter Sunday, on the Festival of SS. Peter and Paul, and
Christmas-day; with a Dissertation on Ecclesiastical Vest-
ments: Rome, 1840. Dedicated to Cardinal James Gius-
tiniani, Bishop of Albano, and Protector of the English
College.
6. Funeral Oration, delivered at the solemn obsequies of
the Lady Guendaline Talbot, Princess Borghese, in St. Charles'
Church, in the Corso, on 23rd December, 1841. On this
mournful occasion. Dr. Baines sung the High Mass.
Two Dissertations of Dr. Baggs were printed and published
separately.
BIOGKAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 233
1. Dissertazione buI sistema Teologico degli Anglicani
detti Puseyisti. Svo.^ 85 pp.
It was read in the Aobdemia di Religione Cattolica, at
Rome, 30th June, 1842 ; and was published in the ^' Aimali
delle Scienze Religiose.^' Vol. xt. No. 43.
2. Dissertazione suUo Stato Odierno della Chiesa Anglicana.
8yo., pp. 28. Published in 1843 in the same Annali, &c.
Vol. xvii. No. 49,
In the words of Cowper I may add : —
^ Peace to the mem'ry of a man of worth,
A man of letters and of manners too.
Of manners sweet, as virtue always wears.*'
Baines (Auoustin) Petek, Bight Rev., bom at Pear-tree
Farm, within Kirkley township, near Liverpool, on 25th
January, 1787. In company of John, Edward, and Vincent
Glover, three brothers, he left England to study for the
Church in the English Benedictine Abbey, of Lambspring,
where they arrived on 7th November, 1798. Within four years
later, the good monks were compelled to leave their beloved
monastery, and, at the invitation of the Rev. John Bolton,
they repaired to Ampleforth, in the parish of Oswaldkirk,
near York. Here Lady Ann Fairfax,* of Gilling Castle, had
founded a mission as early as 1780 for the Benedictines.
This hospitable and considerate monk was her chaplain ; his
house was commodious ; he gave them every encouragement
to commence a college at once, and he ended his days amongst
them on 20th December, 1805. Heaven blessed the under-
taking ; the pious Peter Baines pursued his studies with in-
defatigable assiduity; at the canonical age he consecrated
himself to God in the order of St. Benedict, on 8th June,
1804, taking St. Augustine for his patron. The talented
youth was soon employed to teach, and he laudibly exerted
his abilities in improving and enlarging the system of educa-
tion in this rising establishment. At the age of thirty the
chapter judged him to be the best qualified to succeed to the
important mission of Bath, void by the retirement of his
confrere, the Rev. James Calderbank. He arrived in that
city in July, 1817; and it is true to say, that the mission
under his auspices assumed a renovated appearance and
splendour. Bishop CoUingridge, sadly disappointed in not
securing for his coadjutor the Rev. Charles McDonnell, O.S.F.,
who had actually been nominated Bishop of Sonopolis by his
Bull, dated 2Gth January, 1816, but could not be prevaUed
* Tills great benefactress to religion died on 2nd May, 1811.
334 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
upon to accept the proffered dignity^ charmed with the pulpit
eloquence of this gifted missioner, and the unprecedented
progress of religion in Bath^ now selected Dr. Baines for his
associate in the episcopal office^ and as such he was consecrated
to the see of Siga by Archbishop Murray^ in Townshend-
atreet Chapel^ Dublin^ on 1st May^ 1823. The friends of our
holy faith haUed this promotion, for the reverend doctor was
looked up to as possessing a soul superior to pitiful jealousy
and party prejudice; and in his letter to me, dated 20th
August, 1823, from No. 4, Belvidere, Weymouth, where he
accepted for a time the charge of the congregation, his lord-
ship thus expressed himself: — '' Stonyhurst has not a more
sincere well-wisher, or truer friend, than mvself. As far as
my little means extend, I shall be happy at all times to render
it service. I am a decided and open enemy to all party dis-
tinctions ; and I hope I am perfectly free myself from what
I hate in others — party prejudice.'^ This was language
worthy of a Catholic bishop ! And is not party spirit, which
chills the heart, like an ague, checking the circulation of
vital charity ?
For the benefit of his health Dr. Baines was recommended
to make a tour on the Continent, and he made a lengthened
residence at Rome. By his Holiness Leo XII. he was ap-
poiated a domestic chaplain shortly before that PontifiPs
death, which lamentable event occurred on 10th February,
1829. Within two months later he received the unexpected
intelligence that Bishop CoUingridge was no more. As
soon as he could arrange his affairs, he hastened back to this
vacant diocese, and obtained permission from Pope Pius YIII.
to become secularized, after an attachment to the Benedictine
order for the quarter of a century.
In the December of the same year (1829) he concluded
the purchase of the magnificent mansion of Prior-park,* near
Bath, with its annexed leasehold estate in Lyncombe and
Wydecombe parishes, of 171 acres, and a freehold estate of
twenty-seven acres. To the splendid mansion, which he ap-
propriated for the episcopal residence, he added two handsome
wings, St. Peter's, to serve for a lay college, and St. Paul's,
* Erected by Ralph Allen, Esq., who, from being the son of an inn-
keeper in a village on the road side, called St Blazey Highway, Corn-
wall, raised himself, by energy of mind and indefatigable perseverance,
to become the originator and affluent farmer of tlie Cross Posta^.
Pope, Swift^ Arbuthnot, Gav, Thompson, &c., partook of his hospitalities
at Prior-park. Ob. 29th tfune, 1764, sot. seventy-one, and was buried
at Cloverton. I have seen some of his portraits by Hudson. Davies
Gilbert, in his "Cornwall," vol. i. p. 67, doubts whether Fielding's
" Al worthy " was really meant to pourtray Mr. Allen.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 835
to be an ecclesiastical seminary. Such was the progress of
the works, that in Jnly^ 1880, Prior-park was opened for the
reception of students, though the foundation of the college
takes date from 1st May that year. Some of his lordship's
jEriends and admirers, considering his lordship's present ways
and means, and calculating on his probable resources and
prospects, were fearful that the enterprise was too venture-
some, and that it might involve and swallow up the funds of
the missions. Amongst others who could be mentioned, that
cautions and discreet nobleman, Charles, the late Lord Clifford^
in his letter to me bearing date Mansfield-street, 'London,
5th November, 1830, remarked, " I have my doubts of the
propriety of endeavouring to support a seminary of the mag-
nitude of Prior-park." It was even prognosticated by some
eminent divines that it must perish. The outlay was truly
terrific; the demands continually increasing, vehemently
pressing, and creating feverish anxiety ; and in the midst of
this misery, to the regret of all lovers of architectural beauty,
the centre of this imposing pile of buildings accidentally took
fire on the evening of 80th May, 1836. This was a distress-
ing trial to our zealous prelate, yet it served to rouse his
energy to redoubled exertions. He no longer confined his
appeal for succour " to the narrow limits of the Catholic body**
but be extended it "to the Protestant public ;** and he opmly
proclaimed in that appeal, " independently of the late cakuniiy,
the institution of Prior -park could not possibly support itsejf
without the public aid*'
Over-exertion and solicitude undermined a constitution
naturally delicate and inflammatory; and I was not sur-
prised to hear of his sudden dissolution. It was an event
which he himself had anticipated ; indeed, he had experienced
a slight paralytic afiection early in March, 1842. But at
length he nobly fell at the post of honour, within twelve
hours after opening, with a discourse, St. Mary's new church
on Bristol Quay. Early on the following morning he was
found a corpse in his bed at Prior-park, 6th July, 1843. At
his obsequies on 13th, Bishops Briggs, GrifSths, Morris, and
Oillis assisted, with about forty priests. The brass plate on
his coffin bore the following inscription :* —
*
Petrus Angustinas BuineSy
Episcopus Sigensi^ V. A. D. O.
Obiit Anno Domini hdcccxliii.
Prid. Non. Julii. Vixit An. lvii. Dies xii.
* Probably this and Dr. Baggs' inscription came from the same pen.
As the division of the Eastern and Western Districts had already taken
286 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
Confessedly, Dr. Baines was possessed of considerable
tact, winning address, and easy eloquence ; but perhaps was
inferior to his predecessors of the Western Yicariat in accu-
racy of mind and gravity of judgment, especially in financial
matters. Constitutional infirmity may have contributed to
render him more excitable and irresolute. Be this as it may,
his name will ever rank amongst the luminaries of our
English Catholic Church.
In the "Weekly and Monthly Orthodox Journal'' of
June, 1849, 1 gave a list of his numerous publications; and
hope to see a copious life of the prelate compiled " by a bold
and impartial hand.''
Baines, James, nephew to the last-mentioned prelate,
educated and ordained at Prior-park. For a short time this
promising ecclesiastic was stationed at Poole, but was
recalled to the college to fill the of&ce of procurator. Here
his course of usefulness was arrested by a fatal fever on
30th August, 1844, at. thirty-two.
Baker (Augustine), David, O.S.B. — ''Clarum ac vene-
rabile nomen," bom at Abergavenny in December, 1575.
In the " Bambler " of March, 1851, 1 gave a brief memoir of
this profound scholar. He died of the plague in London,
19th August, l&ll, set. sixty-six, and was buried in St.
Andrew's, Holbom. He is connected with our west by
having resided as chaplain with Philip Fursdon, of Fursdon,
in Cadbury parish, Devon, Esq. (See Dodd's History,
vol. iii. p. 116.) Bishop Challoner also mentions him as
connected with Devon, in his interesting memoir of that
Benedictine martyr, P. Philip Powell.
Baldwin, William, S.J., of Cornwall, and schoolfellow of
F. Cornelius, of whom hereafter. After five years spent at
Oxford University, he proceeded to Bheims, and thence to
the English College at Rome ; and after his promotion to
priesthood, enrolled himself amongst the Jesuits on 26th
February, 1595, aged twenty-six. Twelve years later he was
advanced to the rank of a professed father. For the life of
this blameless religious, I refer the reader to the eighth book
of F. More's " History of the English Province of the S.J."
Elected the fifth rector, but first English rector of St. Omers'
place three years before, OC. to 0. might have been preferable, to
avoid ambiguity. In the above. Menses V. is omitted in the age of
Bishop Baines. The remains of this bishop and his reverend nephew
Jnmes Baines have recently been translated, on 17th June, 1866, to the
monks' cemetery at Downside.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 287
College^ he died in office 26tli September, 1632> with the
highest reputation for wisdom and piety.
Balltman (Gregory), John, O.S.B., bom in Devon,
26th October, 1734; clothed at Lambspring 2l8t April,
1753, and professed 5th May, 1754. Subsequently he filled
the office of prior of that noble abbey, and there died,
13th September, 1811.
Ballyman, Thomas, O.S.B., younger brother of the above,
bom in 1737; reached Lambspring, 26th July, 1751; clothed
Slst October, 1755; and professed 7th November, 1756,
After serving Salford for some time, he retired to Bath,
whe he died 6th August, 1795.
Bampton, George, S.J., was bom in London 26th July,
1816. Educated for the medical profession, and having
passed his examination, he began to practise as a surgeon in
Plymouth ; but after his conversion to the Catholic faith,
was privileged with the grace of vocation to the ecclesiastical
state. His spiritual father, the Rev. Henry Biley, the
incumbent of Plymouth, conducted him, in May, 1840, to
Prior-park, where eventually Bishop Baines ordained him
sub-deacon 18th December, 1841 ; deacon 2nd October,
1842; and seven days later promoted him to priest-
hood. On 21st of the same month and year, he made
his missionary d4but at Plymouth, as assistant to his
dear friend, P. Riley. His inaugural discourse on "the
Love of God,'* delivered in St. Mary's Chapel, Stone-
house, on Sunday, 23rd October, 1842, merited and obtained
publication. Full of zeal, talent, and tender piety, and
desirous of greater perfection, his heart yeamed for the reli-
gious state ; and having at length received permission from
the Holy See, to the deep regret of his congregation, he
quitted Plymouth on 23rd January, 1845, to become a
humble novice of the Society of Jesus. At the end of his
probation he was sent to render missionary service at Rich-
mond, in Yorkshire; but when Bishop UUathome directed
the provincial, F. Lythgoe, to resume possession of Trenchard-
Street Chapel by Sunday, 31st October, 1847, F. Bampton
was ordered to proceed thither for the purpose. He filled
this incumbency until 6th December, 1849, when his
increasing reputation as a preacher induced his superiors to
call him up to the church of the Immaculate Conception in
London. At present he is at Stonyhurst.
Bannister, William, O.S.B. — Of this early missionary
of Bath I regret to say, that I can learn only that he died
there, after some years' s^vice, on 16th May, 1726.
288 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CUBAOT.
Barbbr, Joseph (Stephen)^ O.S.B: — ^This good religious
was assistant priest at Spetisbury for a time ; but finished
his course at Salisbury on 20th September^ 1847^ in his
sixty-third year. Bel. forty-six^ sac. thirty-eight.
Barber^ Luke (Bernard), D.D.^ O.8.B., younger brother
of Joseph, and bom at Macclesfield, took the habit at Acton
Bumell 26th April, 1807. Seven years later, the commu-
nity removed to Downside; and when the prior, F. Iiawson,
resigned his office on 23rd July, 1818, the solid virtues and
valuable services of Father Barber recommended him as the
fittest successor to that pre-eminence. Under his auspices,
during the twelve years of his government, and amidst much
vexatious trials, the establishment of St. Gregory's increased
in numbers and reputation. On 10th July, 1823, he opened
the beautiful collegiate church, which he justly considered
should be the principal feature in every well-regulated com-
munity. On the death of F. Lawson aforesaid, at Salford
Convent, on 23rd April, 1830, F. Barber's experience and
services were required for the spiritual direction of that
Benedictine convent and school. And again, twelve years
later, he was elected the president of all his English bre-
thren. For the last ten years of his life, this most amiable
friend endured a species of martyrdom firom angina pectoris.
Some professional men treated it as a stomach affection, but
the event demonstrated that it was disease of the heart
progressing unto ossification. As he did not appear in time
for the nuns' Mass on the 29th of December, 1850, F. Spain,
the assistant chaplain, was sent for, to officiate, in order
to allow the venerable president a longer repo.se; but not
being seen later, his chamber was entered, when he was found
a corpse! His appearance in bed proved that he died in
sleep, without a struggle. In this kind and amiable father
I lost a very dear friend; but in my breast will ever be
embalmed the memory of his solid virtues, and the recollec-
tion of the warmest attachment.
He was sixty-one years of age, and in the thirty-sixth of
his priesthood,* when the Prince of Pastors called him to be
crowned. ''Bonae vitae numerus dierum; bonum autem
nomen permanebit in aevum." — (Eccl. xli. 16.)
Barlow, Lewis, of Gloucestershire. He was the first
missionary sent from Douay, — viz., in 1574. Twice banished
the realm, he still returned, and finally died in England, full
of days and merits, in 1610.
BarneSj Laurence, O.S.B., was stationed at Bonham for
some time. Obiit 31st May, 1803,
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOY. 289
Babnes, Stephen, I believe of Wilts, was educated in the
English College at Rome ; in the sequel he was appointed
director of the English Canonesses, O.S.A., then at Louvain
(now at Spetisbury), and died in that office Ist January,
1653, 8Bt. seventy-seven. Another F. Stephen Barnes is
mentioned by Bishop Challoner''^ under E. White, M.
Babnes, William, son of Helen and Orace Barnes, of
Tisbury, Wilts, born on 8th November, 1764, left Rome for
the English mission in 1793. After supplying in a variety
of places, he died at Madeley, in Shropshire, 28th April, 184(5.
Babbet, Maubus, O.S.B. — He certainly left the Leighland
mission in 1767. He died 3rd December, 1794.
Babbow, Joseph, S.J., born at Westby, co. Lancashire,
27th February, 1740. At the age of eighteen he offered
himself to Qod in the Society ; for a short period was the
incumbent at Tusmore, then was transferred to Exeter, and
thence to Arlington Court, near Barnstaple. On 1st July,
1786, he reached St. Helen's in his native county, and opened
the convenient chapel at Lowe House on 1st September,
1793. Here he consummated his earthly course on 5th
January, 1813.
Bastabd, Bobebt. — This worthy secular priest, I appre-
hend, was a native of Devon. Called up from his prison, he
was sentenced to perpetual banishment in 1606; after which
I lose sight of him.
Bauoouin, Gboboe, bom at Monkton, near Taunton;
educated partly at Douay, and partly at Valladolid. He came
to the mission in 1775, and was appointed by Bishop
Walmesley to look after the dispersed faithful in the vicinity
of Plymouth. This duty he continued to discharge until the
riots of 1780, when he returned to his native place. After a
short time he took up his quarters at Taunton, where his
placid virtues gained him general esteem. There he ended
his labours on 14th May, 1818, aged sixty-nine, comforted
with the bright prospect of religion around him.
** Sunk to the grave with unperceived decay,
Whilst resignation gently sIofNBd the way,
And all his prospecte hrightening at the last,
His heaven commencing ere the world he past."
Beaumont, John, O. S. F., eldest son of Joseph and
Hannah {olim Harding) Beaumont, of Stone-Easton, co.
Somerset. In early life he was clothed in the Franciscan
* See the ^ Memoirs," 10th Decemher, 1591.
240v BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
convehf of St. BonaTenture^ at Douay. I find by the Chapter-
books that he was appointed Giuurdian of the Custody of
Bristol^ on 8rd May, 1734; for six years^ at leasts before the
arrival of Rev. Charles Needham in the winter of 1745, he
was Chaplain at Tor Abbey. After the death of his father,
his conduct in the disposal of the family patrimony, in de«
fiance of the remonstrances of his Jesuit brother, William,
and his throwing off the yoke of all submission and respect
to his religious superiors, became so extraordinary^ to say the
least of it, that he was sentenced to be removed from all
missionary duty, and placed under surveillance at Douay
Convent (7th Sept. 1764. Act Book, p. 403). There this
jubilarian father concluded his eccentric course in the year
1774.
Beaumont, John, S.J., bom at Stone*Easton, in June,
1787. I remember his arrival at Stonyhurst, with his younger
brother Henry, in September, 1800. John was admitted a
novice at Hodder, seven years later, and was promoted to
priesthood by Bishop Milner on 18th December, 1812. After
serving Alnwick for eighteen years, he was transferred to
Stockeld-park, where he continued for eight months, and
thence was stationed, 26th November, 1832, at South Hilli
Chorley, where he still is (December, 1855).
Beaumont, Joseph, S.J., youngest brother of the Francis-
can, bom in June, 1702 ; admitted into the order, 7th Sep-
tember, 1723; and professed of the four vows, 2nd February,
1741. For many years he resided with Mrs.Winefred Gorsuch
Eccleston, at Cowley Hill, St. Helen's, co. Lancaster. There
he died, 13th February, 1773, and was buried at Windleshaw.
Beaumont, William, S.J., the middle brother, between
the Franciscan John and the last-mentioned Joseph; bom
29th January, 1697; joined the Society at the age of twenty-
one; and was professed 2nd February, 1737. After serving
Bonham and LuUworth, he retired to Stone-Easton, where
he died on 15th October, 1764.
Beeston, Henry, S.J., born at Carlogas, near Lan-
heme, on 19th June, 1797. After distinguishing himself as
a classical scholar at Stonyhurst, he entered the novitiate,
7th September, 1816. At Rome he finished his higher course
of studies, and there was promoted to priesthood on 11th July,
1824. Several missions enjoyed the benefit of his exemplary
zeal; but, to the dismay of his attached congregation at
Worcester, and the distress of an increased circle of friends
and acquaintance, he was suddenly taken ofi* by gout in the
stomach on the night of 12th December, 1846.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 241
BsBSTON, James Philip, S.J., veri Bourgeois, bom in
French Flanders, 5th January, 1738, at the age of twenty-
two enlisted under the banner of St. Ignatius. In 1779,
I meet him as chaplain at Cherry Orchard, afterwards
at Courtfield. He is connected witn the west by having
resided at Canford for the last two years of his life as director
to the Theresian nuns, with the charge of that mission. His
sudden death occurred 19th May, 1811.
Begin, Nicholas. — ^The best account I can render of this
respected French abb^, whose society I enjoyed in May, 1810,
is extracted from the '^ Salisbury Journal '' of 20th March,
1826. "On Thursday, 16th of March, died the Rev.
Nicholas Begin, who was upwards of thirty years pastor of
the Catholic congregation of this city. His unaffected piety,
goodness of heart, and cheerful disposition, procured him the
esteem of many valuable firiends while living, and his loss
will be sincerely lamented, not only by his friends, but by
many of the poor, to whom he was a liberal benefetctor.''
Bennet, Placid, O.S.B. — This good religious is well
remembered at Lanheme for his zeal and piety ; but he died
at Liverpool, 1st March, 1795.
Bennet, Thomas, S.J. — ^This humble and indefatigable
pastor had long been going about doing good. Habited like
a peasant (as we learn from the annual letters of 1647), as
he was proceeding on the road between Bridgewater and
Poole, he was overtaken by some of the Somersetshire cavalry
in the service of the Parliament. He was exposed to much
buffoonery and insult, and it required all his address and
shrewdness to extricate himself from their clutches. Had
they suspected him to be a priest, they would probably have
killed him outright. The good old man ended his days
quietly at Ghent, 10th December, 1664.
Bbntlet, Edwabb, S. J., a Londoner, joined the order at
the age of twenty-one, and in due time was numbered
amongst its professed fathers. For some time he filled the
ofSce of Penitentiary at Rome ; but the climate and the con-
finement incidental to his function impairing his constitution,
he was ordered to England. The last thirty-one years of his
life were spent in the service of the mission, especially within
the residence of St. Stanislaus, which induded Devon and
Cornwall. He died on 19th May, 1656, set. sixty-eight.
Berbiman, Alban, O.S.B., a native of Somersetshire. All
that I can glean of him is, that he died in a good old age on
18th January, 1715.
242 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBROT,
Blair, Jambs, S.J., whom I find described as "a man of
singular prudence and 8anctit7/^ was certainly exercising the
ministry in the diocese of Exeter in 1746; but how long
before or after I cannot discover. Recalled to Liege, to be
the Professor of Scripture, he died there on 28th May, 1759,
St. sixty-six, soc. forty*six.
BiRusALL (Augustine), John, O.S.B. — ^This gifted religious
was born at Liverpool, 27th June, 1775, and studied first
amongst the Dominicans; but in October, 1795, entered
himself amongst the Benedictines at Lambspring. Admitted
to his profession on 6th November, 1796, he was promoted to
priesthood at Hildesheim on 20th May, 1801. Five years
later he was sent to assist the incumbent at Bath ; but after
rendering valuable service for three years and a half, he was
encouraged to undertake a new mission at Cheltenham, late
in 1809, and there succeeded in opening its first pubUc chapel
on 3rd June, 1810.* Twenty years later this energetic
father commenced another mission at Broadway. Few men
indeed have deserved better of his order and of religion
generally. Appointed president of his brethren in 1826, his
was a painful pre-eminence; but by his consummate tact
and decision of character he saved Ampleforth College, on
which the blessing of heaven visibly rests. This truly good
&ther, after struggling most meekly with a tedious and severe
illness, died at Broadway on 2nd August, 1837. A tablet
in the Cheltenham Chapel commemorates his meritorious
services.
Bishop. — In a letter of the late Richard Rowe, Esq., I
read that he was chaplain at Marnhull about the year 1773.
Can this be the F. Henry Bishop, O.S.F., who departed this
life at Baddesley on 19th June, 1811, set. eighty-six?
Blount Henrt Joseph (Benedictine), O.S.B., son of
Edward Blount, Esq., born in London 5th June, 1821 ; clothed
by Dr. Brown, then Bishop-elect of Wales, 30th September,
1840, at Downside, and professed there 11th November, 1841 ;
ordained priest by Bishop Hendren 22nd September, 1849.
After filling the offices of Master of Novices, Prdfect of Studies,
and pastor of the Downside congregation, he was appointed the
assistant priest of Cheltenham, at the chapter in July, 1854.
Bolton (Anselm), John, O.S.B. — I suspect that this is
the worthy monk who served Leighland, and Cannington
* A French emimnt, T Abb^ Csesar, before this, ** had said Mass on
Sundays and holidays, in a back room of a low public house,'* for the
handful of Catholics there. At his death, 24th September, 1811, set.
eighty, F. Birdsall had him decently buried in the parish ehurehyard.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT. 243
also^ for a time previouB to his becoming chaplain to Lady
Ann Fairfax^ at Ampleforth, where he closed his meritorious
life on 20th December^ 1805.
Bond. — ^A pious couple, William Vincent Bond and Nancy
his wife, settled in St. Maugan's parish, near ColumVs, Corn-
wall, have given many of their offspring to God's Church, viz.
1. James Isidore,^ the sixth child but fourth son, born
4th April, 1819; after studying for some time at Douay,
Prior-park, and Oscott, he repaired to the English College at
Rome, where he was ordained priest. After serving St. Chad's
Cathedral, at Birmingham, for some time, he has been trans-
ferred to the new church of Snow-hill, Wolverhampton.
2. Joseph John Bond, S. J., the fourth child of his parents^
bom 27th October, 1814, left his home for Stonyhurst Col-
lege 27th January, 1828. With his fellow-religious the Bev.
James Ecdes, now the incumbent of Exeter, he received the
order of subdeacon in the chapel of Tronchiemes, near Ghent,
on 25th May ; of deacon, in the cathedral of Ghent, on 29th
May ; and of priest, on Corpus Cbristi day, 8rd June, 1847,
in the chapel aforesaid, at the hands of the Bight Bev. Louis
Jacques Delebecque, Bishop of Ghent. F. Bond was attached
to St. Walbiu'ge's Church, Preston. He removed, I am told,
to the Isle of Man, and is now attached to the cathedral
church of St. Nicholas, at Liverpool.
8. Bond, William Petse, eldest brother of the foregoing,
bom 1st August, 181 1 ; left home 7th January, 1824, for lasbon
College, where he was ordained priest 29th March, 1835, and
celebrated his first Mass on 4th of April. Swansea was his
first mission, whence he removed to MamhuU, in 1839. In
October, 1840, he succeeded F. Tilbury at Chidiock. This
talented and asealous priest quitted 29th January, 1844^ to
accompany Bishop Wilson to Van Diemen's Land.
BoNOMi, John. — ^This amiable ecclesiastic was bom in Lon-
don June 9th, 1816; partly educated at Prior-park; ordained
there by Bishop Baines on Saturday in Whitsun-week (May 21),
1842. During the space of nearly twenty years he acted as the
accomplished Master of Ceremonies at the grand functions of
* John Isidore Bond, S.J., the third son, bom 11th April, ISIT,
admitted into the So>biety 7th September, 1839, died at Calcutta
23rd March, 1844, before his promotion to priesthood. His bones were
brought over, and interred at Stonyhurst, Ist March, 1847.
Stephen Bond, the ninth child, born 24th Marcli, 1826, as well as his
brother Vincent, the eleventh child, bom 8th July, 1828, have also con-
secrated themselves to God in the Society of Jesus ; and four of their
sisters have become nuM.
R 2
244 BIOOSAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLERGY.
Bishops Baines, Baggs^ Ullathome^ Hendren^ and Bargesa, in
the West. He is now servii^ the Monmouthshire mission.
Booth, Charles, S.J. (brother to James, the eminent
lawyer, father of the modem practice of conveyancing, and
whose treatise on '' Real Actions " is in such repute with the
legal profession), was the tutor of Henry, the eighth Lord
Arundell. For several years before his death the venerable
man lived entirely at Wardour, and there finished his earthhr
course, at the age of ninety, on 11th May, 1797. His lord-
ship did honour to his remains, by depositing them in his
own family vault under his princely chapel.
BosGRAVE, James, S.J., was bom at Goodmanston, Dorset,
" of a very worshipful house and parentage,'' as F. Persons
informs us. Whilst yet a youth, with the approval of his
pious parents, he quitted England for Borne, where he studied
a course of rhetoric and philosophy. He had entered the
Society on 17th November, 1564, and was ordained priest at
Olmutz in 1572. During twelve years Germany and Poland
witnessed with delight and admiration his increasing fame as
a professor of philosophy, of mathematics, of Hebrew and
Greek. Declining health at Wilna induced his superiors to
order his return to England, in the hope that his native air
might renovate his constitution. His parents were still living;
but he had hardly reached the British shores in the spring of
1580, when he was apprehended and consigned to the Tower
of London. His lengthened absence from England had caused
him to foi^et his mother tongue. On 14th November, 1581,
he was arraigned at the Queen's Bench, with F. Edmund Cam-
pian and others, and on the 20th of that month was sentenced
to the death of a traitor ; but in consequence of the powerful
interest which Stephen (Battori), the learned and valiant king
of Poland, manifested in his behalf. Queen Elizabeth con-
sented not to dip her hands in his blood, and at length to
discharge him from the Tower, on 21st June, 1585. Return-
ing to Poland, the illustrious confessor finished a meritorious
life by a saintly death, at Calizzi, 27th October, 1621, or, ac-
cording to another account, 1623. " Septuagenario major."
Q. What relation was he to Thomas Bosgrave, gentleman,
who was taken at Chidiock Castle, 14th April, 1594, and
executed for his religion, 4th July next ensuing, at Dorchester ?
Boucher, Bichabd, S. J., bom 17th August, 1696 ; was
admitted into the Society of Jesus on 7th September, 1713.
For many years he was chaplain to the Chichesters at Arling-
ton, and amongst them ended his ministry on 18th December,
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THS CLEROT. 245
1760. Prom the parish registry I copied this entry : ^' 1760.
Mr. Richard Bourchier was buried December 20th.^'
BouRCHiSR^ William, S.J., elder brother of the pre-
ceding, bom 14th July, 1682, was aggregated to the Society
in 1700. For several years he lived at Aston Hall, in co.
Stafford, a property then belonging to the Welds, afterwards
he resided a Lullworth Castle. Ob. 28th September, 1757.
BouoBNOMs, Louis, O.S.R., as he informed me himself,
was bom at Liege 2nd March, 1816 ; was professed in the
order of the Redemptorists 8th September, 1888; ordained
priest on 24th May, 1840. He is connected with our
Western District by having been the incumbent of Falmouth
from 16th June, 1843, to 1st September, 1848, when he
removed to Clapham. From the pubUc journals I now learn
that he is zealously promoting the cause of religion in
Ireland, as superior of his bretluren of Mount St. Alphonsus,
Limerick.
Bowes, alias Lane, Robert. — ^This man of God exercised
for a considerable time the ministry at Hatherop, and
there composed a volume of " Practical Reflections,'^ — ^the
fruits of solid piety, and tender unction. Retiring to Bath,
his useM life was crowned with a happy death on 17th
December, 1735.
BowRiNG, Charles Algernon (Alotsius), S.J., fifth and
Emgest son of Sir John Bowring, Knight, of Exeter, by
wife Maria (Lewin), was bom 19th March, 1828. At a
suitable age he was sent to Trinity College, Cambridge,
where he distinguished himself by his exemplary assiduity
and proficiency. But whilst applauded by others for his
successful exhibition of talents, he was little at ease within
himself. Doubts about his Protestant religious opinions
arose, — he felt dissatisfied, — he prayed Heaven to assist him,
— he followed the guidance of the Star, which brought him
to the Author of faith, and to the work of His visible
church. Within a year after his conversion he received the
special grace of vocation to the Society of Jesus, and
promises to become a leading man in its English province.
Bradshaw (Anselm), Bernard, O.S.B., succeeded Bishop
York as missionary of Bath ; but died at Acton Bumell on
9th August, 1774. I think he wa3 of Preston Heballs,
CO. Salop, and that he was clothed at Lambspring on 28th
March, 1723. He had a nephew, Anselm Bradshaw, clothed
there 81st August, 1760, who died at Warrington 20th June,
246 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OT THB CLBBOT*
1799 ; and I think Basil also, clothed there on 24th June,
1762, who died 12th April, 1770,
Breoque, de LA. — ^This exemplary French abb^, after the
French Revolution, took up his residence at Axminster.
When his confrireB^ Messrs. le Blaise and le Marc, returned
to France, after the treaty of Amiens, which was concluded
on Lady-day, 1802, he undertook the pastoral charge of
that little flock, and died there, universally esteemed,
8rd February, 1819, act. sixty-six.
Bbent, Henry, S. J., an eminent divine and good religious,
was employed both at Stapehill and Wardour ; but for the
last ten years of his life resided at Irnham Hall, co. Lincoln.
His gravestone in the parish church is inscribed : —
To the Memory of the Rev.
Mr. Henry Brent, many years
Chaplain to Lord and Lady Arundelly
Who departed this life the 9th of
January, 1784, aged 69.
R. I. P.
Brett (Gabriel), Robert, O.S.B., son of Sir Alexander
Brett^ of Whitestaunton, co. Somerset, and nephew of his
Grace the Most Bev. Dr. William Giffard,"^ the founder
and first prior of St. Malo's English Benedictine convent.
Under this superior the pious youth made such pro-
gress in religious perfection, as to win the hearts of his
brethren, and be thought worthy to govern that convent
for twelve years. He died 12th August, 1605, »t. sixty-six.
Brett, Robert, S.J., nephew, I suspect, of the last»
mentioned prior, and of a most amiable and cheerful dispo-
sition. He died at St. Omer's on 8rd November, 1678,
having been enrolled amongst the professed fathers of the
Four Vows three months only.
Brewer, John, S.J., bom at Fishwick, near Preston,
29th December, 1732 ; joined the order at the age of twenty.
In June, 1764, he commenced his missionary career at
Odstock, near Salisbury, thence was removed to Shepton
Mallett, where he continued until carried off by apoplexy,
1st September, 1797. His remains were deposited in
St. Joseph's Chapel, Bristol, to which he had be^ a liberal
* This iUustrious doctor was son of John Giflfard, Esq., by his wife
Elizabeth (Throckmorton^ and was bom in 1565. Whilst prior at
St. Malo's, Louis, cardinal archbishop of Rheims^the brother ox Henry,
duke of Guise, obtained him for his coadjutor ^'cum jure snccessionis/'
Oblit 11th April, 1629.
BIOORAPfllCAIi LIST OF THE CLBBOT. 247
benefactor. Shepton and Exeter missions shared also in his
bounty.
Brewer, Thomas, S. J., younger brother of the last-men-
tioned, was bom 19th June, 1743. At the age of eighteen
he was admitted into the Society. After serving Lydiate and
Fazakerly, near Liverpool, he was sent to Bristol, where he
ended his useful life on 18th April, 1787.
Brewer (Bede), John, O.S.B. and D.D. — ^In page 56 of
the first part I have treated of this brilliant ornament of the
Benedictine Congregation, who died its president, at Woolston,
near Liverpool, on 18th April, 1822, and was buried in Peel-
street Chapel. This very learned and experienced religious
edited, in 1774, the second edition of Hookers '^Religionis
Naturalis et Bevelatse Principia,'' in three volumes, which
he enriched with several dissertations.
Briant, Alexander, S.J., of Somersetshire. — ^This able
and zealous secular priest had vowed to embrace the Society
of Jesus, and whilst a prisoner for the faith, God satisfied
the desire of his heart. His letter, full of the heavenly
spirit, addressed to his brethren of the Society, is given
in Tanner's Lives, pp. 16, 17. From the hands of this
man of God, the last consolations of religion were adminis-
tered to Henry Persons, of Nether Stowey (father of the
celebrated Robert Persons, S.J.), late in the year 1579. Of
the excruciating tortures which this heroic priest had to
sufler in the Tower before he consummated his martyrdom
at l^bum, 1st December, 1581, aged twenty-eight, see
iRishton's Diary, Challoner's faithfiol Memoirs, and F. More's
History.
Briant, Robert, S.J., of Somersetshire. — ^At the age of
thirty-seven he joined the order, and in the following year
was sent to the English mission. He was chiefly employed
in the residence of St. Stanislaus, which then included the
diocese of Exeter ; and there, I apprehend, he finished his
career of earthly labours on 29th March, 1658, set. seventy.
Bridgewater, John, of an ancient fisonily in Somerset-
shire. In Bishop Veysey's Register, vol. i. fol. 136, I
discover, that on the presentation of King Edward YI., he
was admitted to the Uving of St. Blase and St. Austle, in
Cornwall, on 2nd April, 1550. In the reigns of Queens
Mary and Elizabeth many ecclesiastical preferments were
showered upon him ; but, in obedience to the voice of con-
science, he abandoned them all in 1574. He was still living,
twenty years later^ at Treves, where he published an enlarged
248 BIOOaAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLCRGT.
edition of F. John GKbbon's '' Concertatio Ecdesiffi Catholiae
in AngliA." CoUinson (" History of Somerset," vol. ii. p. 40)
admits that ^' he was held in general esteem, as a sensible
ecclesiastic/' That he was admitted a member of die
Jesnits at Treves, appears more probable ; but the date of
such admission, and even of his death, have eluded hitherto
all investigation.
Brigham, Henry, S.J., born in Manchester 28rd June,
1796; studied with distinction at Stonyhurst, and at the age
of seventeen entered the society: was ordained priest at
Maynooth on 1st June, 1821. This very polite scholar twice
filled the oflSce of Prefect of Studies. Hereford, Preston,
Bury St. Edmunds, Pontefract, Oxford, and London, have
had the benefit of his missionary zeal, and have admired his
pulpit eloquence, since 23rd December, 1854. The new
church of Teignmouth was privileged to possess him for its
pastor, till, on 28th February of this year, 1856, he was
removed to Ugbrooke, vice F. Charles Lomax, transferred to
Teignmouth.
Brindle (Basil), John, O.S.B., bom at Clayton, near
Chorley, 80th December, 1746 ; went to St. Gregory's Con-
vent, Douay, 28th April, 1761. For several years this amiable
religious was stationed at Lanheme, where he was respected
and esteemed by all parties. He left, before the Theresian
nuns, iu August, 1794, were put in possession of Lanheme
House, to succeed to the mission of Bonham, but from which
he retired 7th September, 1801, from ill health, and even-
tually settled himself down with his brother at Claybrook.
Dying of dropsy on 8th December, 1802, he was buried on
the south side of Walton churchyard, near Preston, His
tombstone bears his simple initials, J. B.
Brindle, Ralph, bom 6th January, 1814, and nephew to
the Eev. Dr. Brindle, studied at Prior-park, where he was
ordained priest by Bishop Baines on 14th March, 1840, and
said his first Mass on St. Joseph's feast, five days later.
For ten years he served Upton, in Dorsetshire, but left it for
Tawstock on 8th February, 1850. Religion must ever be
indebted to him for his personal sacrifices and indefatigable
exertions in completing and opening the church of Barn-
staple on 26th October, 1855. It had been consecrated on
Wednesday, the preceding day, with imposing solemnity.
At the formation of the Plymouth chapter this exemplary
priest was nominated a member.
Brindle, Thomas, D.D., bom at Walton 18th December,
1791 ; studied at Ampleforth, where he took the Benedictine
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOT. 240
hMt, and was professed, with Mr. Metcalf, 25th October,
1811 ; was ordained a priest in September, 1815, and two
years later was appointed by the chapter assistant to Dr.
Baines, of the same order, to their Benedictine mission of
Bath. On the death of Bishop CoUingridge, which occurred
at Cannington on Srd March, 1829, being notified to his
coadjutor Dr. Baines, then at Borne, his lordship, as successor
to the Western Yicariat, appointed Dr. Brindle to be the
administrator of the diocese and grand vicar until he could
return home. His lordship further obtained for him letters
of secularization, and in the summer of 1830 made him
regent of his newly-established college at Prior-park, with
the history of which his name must be for ever identified. In
November, 1849, Dr. Booker succeeded him as regent. He
is now (1856) a Monsignore, and Provost and Yicar-general
of the diocese of Clifton.
Brittain, Lewis, O.S.D. and S.T.P. — ^This distinguished
religious was bom near Chester, and at the age of sixteen
was reconciled, with his brother William, to the Catholic
Church. Two years later Lewis passed over to France, to
perfect himself in the French language. Falling in with an
exemplary priest in Picardy, his mind became luisorbed with
heavenly desires; and at length, at the age of twenty-three,
he devoted himself to God in the order of St. Dominic. For
many vears he taught at Bomhem with the highest reputa-
tion; but before the commencement of the French Revolu-
tion he accepted the office of director of the English Domi-
nicanesses at Brussels, an office that he retained until his
death, t . e. for the space of thirty-six years and nine months.
When the French army was daily expected at Brussels, this
experienced counsellor, faithful Mend, and afiEectionate father,
escorted his dear community from their convent of the
Rosary on 22nd June, 1794, conducted them safely to Eng-
land, saw them comfortably settled at Harpury Court, and
ended his days amongst them on Srd May, 1827, set. eighty-
three, rel. sixty. He had served the office of provincial of
his brethren firom 1814 to 1818. The works of this gifted
scholar and divine are well known and appreciated.
B&ooKE, Charles, S.J., son of James and Sarah Brooke,^
bom in the Second Back-lane, Exeter, 8th August, 1777.
Naturally he was of a strong constitution ; but, as his mother
told me, in consequence of three successive fiedls, through the
• They were married at Arlington on 27th November, 1766. The
elder brother, James Henry, bom 26th May* 1771 9 is still living, at
Clapham Rise. Their father died 27th July, 1783.
250 BIOOIUPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT.
careleBsness of his narse, lie became feeble and attenuated:
By the charity of his patron^ the Bev. Joseph Reeve, of
Ugbrooke, he was admitted into the Academy of Idege on
16th July, 1788. For his age, he was already tolerably
advanced under the instructions of Mr. Laurence Halloran
and the Bev. Joseph Bretland. Of the latter I have heard
him speak in terms of high commendation. At Liege he was
placed under the Bev. John Laurenson, and distinguished
himself amongst his fellow-students by his piety and diligence.
After passing with credit the course of humanities and phi-
losophy, his assiduous attention to divinity was interrupted
by the successes of the French republican forces, and at
length he had to share in the miseries of the emigration in
the summer of 1794, and was amongst the earliest of the
arrivals at Stonyhurst on 29th August that year. To the
organization of the collegiate course of studies all must admit
that he rendered very important service by his classic taste,
discrimination, and judgment; and several of his pupils —
Shiel amongst the rest— did honour to his tuition ; yet per-
haps he was too fastidious, too wasteful of time in pondering
the minuiue of criticism.
After a splendid defension of the whole course of theology,
he was promoted* to the priesthood at Maynooth by Arch-
bishop Troy, on 12th June, 1802, and on 26th September of
the following year consecrated himself to his Ood in the
revived Society of Jesus. On 8th September, 1818, he was
numbered amongst its professed fathers.
To the Enfield mission he had been appointed in 1817, and
there he opened its present chapel on 11th July, 1819; but
on 15th t^ebruary, 1826, he was called from the missionary life
to fill the office of provincial for six years, and at an eventful
period. At the expiration of his government, he rendered
invaluable aid to the seminary as well as to the college, as
spiritual father and director of studies.
The last seven years of his life he spent in his native city.
Whilst on a visit to me in the autumn of 1845 (he had arrived
on 10th September), for the benefit of his health, he received
a letter from the provincial, F. Lythgoe, dated Lincoln, 18th
October that year, commencing thus: ''My wish is, after
having taken counsel from those whom it is my duty to con-
sult, that you should collect and arrange the materials which
may serve for a continuation of the history of the province,
where the history written by F. More stops. It is thought,
and I believe with reason, that you will be able to do this
better at Exeter, assisted by Dr. Oliver, than in any other
place. My wish, therefore, is, that you should take the house
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLCROT, 251
uext to him. Whatever is necessary to make it comfortable
shall be furnished to you. I should have stated all this
before to your reverence^ had I not thought it expedient to
mention my intention first to F. Oeneral, in order that if his
paternity had any views with respect to your reverence which
would be incompatible with your proposed office, he might
state them.
" I feel, and so do others, that no one is so capable as your
reverence, assisted by Dr. Oliver, to perform this most im^
portant task, and that if the work be not performed now, much
valuable information, known to yourself and Dr. Oliver, will
be lost. I trust that your reverence's zeal for the public
good will therefore lead you to undertake this important duty
with cheerfulness and energy. Dr. O. has nearly finishea
his Monasticon, and will therefore, I hope, be at liberty to
co-operate with you. I beg mv kind regards to him.''
I wrote back that " I should be a willing pioneer in the
service;" but what progress my learned friend made in his
history I could never ascertain. He took possession of the
adjoining house on 5th November, 1845, and continued his
reserve and seclusion until his death, 6th October, 1852,
expiring in the very room wherein his good mother had died
in my arms on 18th July, 1828, set. ninety-four. He was
buried over her, behind St. Nicholas's Chapel. Eight priests
assisted at his dirge, and the first High Mass sung at Exeter
since the Reformation was celebrated at hi» obsequies on
11th October. R. I. P.
Brooke, Leonard, S. J., bom in Maryland, 14th January,
1750; at the age of nineteen he entered the Novitiate; for
some years was chaplain at Slindon; but spent the greater
part of his missionary life at LuUworth, where he was much
admired as a catechist. Dying 7th July, 1813, his remains
were deposited in the vault of the Weld family, with this
epitaph from the hand of his cof^hre F. Charles Flowden.
A. ^ O.
H. S. E.
Leonardus Brooke olim
Soc. Jesu AIumnuB : annos aroplins xx«
Hujos Sacr8e iBdis Sacerdos et
Gustos^ cui locum sepultursB inter
Suos dedit Thomas Weld
Pietatis causft. Deceasit Non. Julii
An. Mocccxiii.
R. I. P.
Brooke, Thomas, was bom in Exeter, of Protestant pa*
rents, and baptized at St. Edmund's Church 14th May, 1727.
352 BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOT.
The father becoming a Catholic, though subsequently he
gave up the practice of his religion, young Thomas was sent
to the English College at Lisbon, where he qualified himself
for the priesthood; and is said to have been nominated a
chaplain to the queen of Portugal. He was in the college
when the frightful earthquake, on Ist November, 1765,
spread consternation and ruin in the city. All his commu-
nity escaped with their lives, with the exception of the presi-
dent, Mr. Manley, whose body could not be extricated from
the mass of stone and timber until three days after the
mournful catastrophe. The Bev. Thomas Brooke never
recovered from the calamitous shock, and, as I find by a
mourning ring, died 3rd May, 1756, set. 29.
Brown (Joseph), Thomas, Right Rbv., S.T.P., O.S.B. —
Of this luminary of the Benedictine congregation and orna-
ment of the episcopal order, a volume might be written.
I must leave it to posterity to do justice to his merits; mine
is the humble task to record a few facts connected with his
biography.
He was bom in the city of Bath on 2nd May, 1798 ; and
made his studies at Acton Bumell, where, in 1813, he took
the Benedictine habit. Both there and at Downside he pur-
sued his studies with such assiduity and success, as soon to
be qualified to take the chair of philosophy, and not long after
of divinity. As early as 1826 he published an able letter
addressed to Archdeacon Daubeny, prebendary of Sarum,
exposing his misrepresentations of the Eucharist (8vo. London,
pp. 45). On 18th July, 1884, he was appointed prior of
Downside, and six days later was awarded by the president
the title and insignia of D.D.* When Pope Gregory XVI.,
by his brief, dated 3rd July, 1840, doubled the number of
English vicars-apostolic, the Western Yicariat was divided
into two; and Dr. Brown, then prior of Downside, was
selected to govern the whole of North and South Wales,
with the counties of Monmouth and Hereford attached.
His consecration to this see, by the title of Bishop of Apollonia,
in the archdiocese of Thessalonica;, was solemnly performed
on 28th October, 1840, in St. John's Chapel, Bath, by
Bishop Griffiths, assisted by Bishops Wareing and Collier,
and on that occasion Bishop Wiseman delivered a most
appropriate address. Whilst all friends of religion hailed
* This was done, in consequence of the privilege granted hy Pope
Pius Vll.. on Ist June, 1823, to the president of the English monks, of
creating tnree of his subjects, who had taught a coarse of theology,
Doctors of Divinity.
BIOOIUPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 253
this happy choice, he might well say, '' Ostium mihimagnam
apertum est et eyidens, et adversarii multi" (1 Cor. xvi. 9),
but could add with the same apostle, '^ Omnia possum in
Eo qui me confortat'' (Phil, iv, 13). Heaven manifestly
blessed and prospered his apostolical exertions. And yet, after
having done so much, and deserved so well of North Wales
during ten years, it must have been an acute trial, when, at
Michaelmas, 1850, the hierarchy was established, to submit
to the amputation of that lai^ member from his diocese.
But I know from his own letters how meekly, how dis-
interestedly he acquiesced in the sacrifice, comforting himself
with the hope, that what he lost in temporal resources might
be indemnified by the gain to religion.
The pen and the eloquent tongue of this scholar and divine
have always been at the command of faith and of charity.
Who has not read with admiration his vindication of CathoUc
truth against Messrs. Batcheller and Newenham in 1833 ?
his exposure of the ingenious devices of M'Ghee in 1838? and
his triumphant controversy with the Rev. Joseph Baylee, of
Birkenhead, in 1851 ? To this friendly prelate of Menevia
I may apply the words of St. Jerome to St. Augustine
(Epist. 57), ''Macte virtute: in Urbe celebraris. Catholici
te conditorem antiquae rursum Fidei venerantur atque suspi-
ciunt ; et quod signum majoris gloriae est, omnes Hseretici
detestantur.''
Brownbill, James, S.J., bom at Gillmoss, co. Lancashire,
on 31st July, 1798; studied at Stonyhurst, and on 7th Sep-
tember, 1815, followed the example of his saintly brothers
Thomas and Francis, by enlisting under the standard of
St. Ignatius. James, after teaching humanities and fiUing
the office of prefect, was ordained priest at Stonyhurst by
Bishop Penswick, on 30th July, 1829, and the next day, his
birthday and the feast of his holy founder, celebrated his
first Mass. Quitting the college, where he had endeared
himself to all who came under his charge, he reached
Ugbrooke, to succeed F. James Laurenson, on 27th November,
1830. To his great comfort and joy, he removed from the
great house to the convenient presbyt^re formed for him at
Ashwell, on Wednesday, 26th June, 1832. In the Appendix
to the first part of this compilation I have inserted the part-
ing address of his attached fiock on Sunday, 27th September,
1^5, when his patron sternly insisted on their separation.
By his immediate superiors he was duly honoured on his
return to the college. After filling the office of its rector
from 26th May, 1836, till 3rd June, 1839, then supplying
254 BIOOIIAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
the place of its minister for a twelTemomtli, and for another
year the.incumbency of the Bedford mission, near Leigh, in
his native county, he was appointed rector of the establish-
ment in London. Here, during the space of fourteen years,
he laboured like an apostle, becoming all to all. In con-
sequence of impaired health, he has been released from that
arduous charge since 25th August, 1855, and has been
transferred to the comparatively easy mission at Bury St.
Edmunds.
Bruning, Francis, O.S.B., was professed at Lambspring
Ist May, 1699 ; succeeded F. Bannister as the incumbent of
Bath, and served that Benedictine mission for six years.
Ob. 18th August, 1748.
Bruning, Thomas, O.S.B., a native of the diocese of
Exeter. All that I can glean of him besides is, that after
five years' service at Bonham, he died there on 6th August,
1719.
Brushtord, John, of the diocese of Exeter, arrived at
Bome 14th June, 1581. Towards the end of chapter X. of
first part, p. 99, I have mentioned him as a priest on the
Plains of Salisbury, anno 1594; after which he eludes my
researches (vol. III. of Canon Tiemey's Dodd, p. 137).
BucKLAND, Ralph, of Somersetshire. — After his conver*
uon he renounced a plentiftil estate to follow Christ. His
seal for the salvation of souls obtained for him the honour,
like St. Paul, of being the " Vinctus Christi Jesu.^' — (Ep. ad
Philem.) He was one of the forty-seven priests sent from
different jails in 1606 into perpetual banishment, and sur-
vived five years.
Buckle, William. — ^This reverend gentleman was bom at
Stinchcombe, co. Gloucester, on 5th July, 1826; sent to
Winchester school in July, 1848 ; matriculated at Oxford in
March, 1845; was received into the Catholic Church at Oscott
on 7th February, 1847; went to Home in September following,
where he was admitted to minor orders 19th March, 1848 ;
to sub-deaconship, 8rd March, 1849. Quitting then the
Eternal City, he was promoted to deaconship at Ushaw
College on 18th September, 1852, and finally to priesthood
on 21st May, 1858. B^tuming to his native diocese. Bishop
Burgess appointed him to St. Mary's Chapel, Montpelier,
Bath, which situation he resigned to become secretary to
Dr. Yaughan, who was installed bishop of Plymouth on
25th September, 1855. I may truly say of him, in the
words of Cicero, de Amicitia, ^'Bonam spem pnelucet in
BIOOKAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBRGT. 255
posteram." What a comfort it must have been to him to
behold his parents and sister admitted into the one fold of
the one Shepherd!— (See '' Directory'' of 1849, p. 177.) Since
writing the above, the reverend gentleman has been trans-
ferred to Lyme Regis, vice Bonn.
BuNN, Joseph Walstan* (son of Francis and Mary
Bunn, olim Conolly), bom at Cossey, near Yarmoath, 11th
December, 1823 ;t educated at Oscott, where he was pro-
moted to priesthood in the Ember Week of Lent, 1847.
After unceasing exertions of zeal in the metropolis, his
health became so impaired, that the faculty urged the
expediency of the sea-side. Cardinal Wiseman and Arch-
bishop Errington, who appreciated his merits at Oscott, have
stationed him at Lyme since 7th July, 1855, vice Rev. James
Conolly. I am happy in the belief that the change has
proved beneficial to his valuable health. On 25th April,
1856, he left for Poole to succeed Canon WooUett.
BuROEss, Thomas, Right Rev., D.D., bom 1st October,
1791, in CO. Lancashire; was nephew to that holy monk the
Rev. James Burgess, who died at Myddelton Lodge on
22nd August, 1837, set. seventy, after being forty years
chaplain to the Middelton family. La early life Thomas
devoted himself to his Creator in the order of St. Benedict,
and was professed at Ampleforth, with Dr. Rooker, on 13th
October, 1807, where he received his education. His solid
virtues and urbanity of manners won for him the love and
confidence of his religious brethren, insomuch that he was
elected prior in July, 1818. Whilst still holding that office,
in the spring of 1830, he was over-persuaded, with Dr. Rooker
and F. Edward Mecalfe, that they would do a better thing to
forsake their first love, or vocation to the Benedictine oider,
obtain their secularization, and concentrate their talents, and
energies, and influence, in raising up a new collegiate
establishment at Prior-park. Their abrupt withdrawal, as
weU as of several students, excited alarm, and threatened
shipwreck to Ampleforth; but, like a gallant vessel, she
righted again, and most prosperously % continues her course.
* Walstan was a saint from his cradle, and died in the vicinity of
Cossey on 20th May, 1016.
t Dr. HusenbetH, the missionary of St. Ausnstine's, of Canterhnry,
baptized the infant on the dav of his birth. Walstan Francis Xavier
Joseph was the name assameA on his becoming a Passionist.
X In the autumn of 1855 Ampleforth could count seventy-two stu-
dents, eight professors, and besides nine others who had taken their
solemn vows, two novices, and two lay brothers. A new coUegiate
church, 100 feet in length, was in course of erection ; and the fathers
266 BIOGBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
After staying some time at Prior-park^ Bishop Baines trans,
ferred him to Cannington^ and after fifteen months' sendee
there^ appointed him to the charge of Portland chapel, dedi-
cated to St. Augustine, near Queen Street, Bath, which he
opened on 26th May, 1832; and finally ordered him to
Monmouth, where his peaceftd virtues made him esteemed
and beloved. On the resignation of the Right Bev. Dr. Hen-
dren, the first bishop of the new see of Clifton, Dr. Burgess
was selected to succeed him, and was consecrated 27th July,
1851. Superhuman were the efforts of this prelate to rescue
Prior-park from its overwhelming incumbrances. After a
very short illness, this amiable bishop sunk in the arms of
death at Westbury-on-Trym, 27th November, 1854. " Now
to his ashes honour; peace be with him."
Well might the administrator of the diocese of Clifton,
Archbishop Errington, in his Pastoral of 30th January,
1856, announcing the dissolution of the college at Prior-
park, observe to the public, that ''the late bishop fell a
victim to the burden he had undertaken, and that his
exertions to save it had been imceasing."
Burke, John. — This native of Tipperary was educated in
St. John's College, Waterford. Bishop Collingridge em-
ployed him at St. Joseph's, Trenchard Street, Bristol, after
the departure of the Rev. John Williams, in May, 1823;
but in the spring of 1825 he was transferred to Oloucester,
where he remained about two years, when he was removed
to Usk, where, in 1831, " ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, and rejecting a good conscience, he made shipwreck of
the faith '' in 1831, and winged his flight to America. After
this fall, he vanishes from my research.
Butler, alias Beret, O.S.B., was the resident priest at
Hartpury Court in 1769; but how long before, I cannot
ascertain. Is this the F. Jerome Berry who died at Cowley
Hill 4th October, 1786?
Butler, Thomas, D.D., born at Limerick in 1800. — Of
this ex-Dominican — this renegade and impugner of the
known truth — I have treated at length under Weymouth, in
the fifth chapter of part first. May Ood give him repent-
ance, and may the unfortunate man recover himself firom
the snares of the devil, by whom he is held captive I
(2 Tim. ii. 25, 26.)
BuTTERFiELD, James, r vcry difierent character firom the
had puTchaaed an excellent farm of 100 acres in Byland Abbey, three
miles distant.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEKOY. 257
laat-mentioned, bom at Waterford^ was educated at Carlow and
Rome. Full of the ecclesiastical spirit^ he accepted the mission
of Salisbury in the spring of 1831 ; but in August, 1838|
was translated to Swansea, where, in the full vigour of youth,
he was carried oflf by fever, on 2nd April, 1885, deservedly
lamented. By his own desire his remains were conveyed to
Waterford.
Byfleet, John, O.S.B. — I meet with three of this
surname. The two first, John, O.S.B., died at Stourton, —
the senior in 1652, the junior on 29th August, 1700. The
third, William, who often passed by the name of Gildon.
In the list of Popish Becusants in Dorset in 1718, " Gent.*'
is aflSxed to his name, and an income of £38 per annum is
attributed to him. I suspect that he was a secular priest.
The following particulars I learnt from the mouth of that
veracious gentleman the late Thomas Taunton, Esq., who
was bom at Veers Wootton, near Bridport, on 9th June,
1745, and died at Axminster 17th March, 1828: ''I was
baptized by the Rev. William Byfleet, who had succeeded
Mr. Higgs as missionary at Chidiock. When he took
possession, in the reign of William III., Mr. Byfleet found
most of his flock immured in Dorchester jail for refusing
to take the oaths. He frequently visited them, and occa-
sionally managed even to say Mass for them. At the age of
one hundred the venerable man submitted to the amputation
of a leg, and what is remarkable, survived the operation for
three years. Retiring to Stourton, or rather Bonham, he
died on 19th October, 1846, the year after baptizing me."
Byrne, Andrew, bom in Newland, co. Kildare, in
November, 1798 ; was educated at Carlow and at Rome, where
he was ordained priest 29th June, 1830. He then served
Spetisbury for nearly three years. In November, 1833,
he succeeded FAbb^ Chanteloup at Taunton, and after one
year's residence there returned to Spetisbury, which after some
time he left for his native country. He often wields bis
pen in defence of religion.
Caestrtck (Benedict), Charles, O.S.D., was by birth a
Flandrian. At the emigration from Bomhem, he was
appointed to the Leicester mission, where he exhibited the
genuine spirit of seal and charity which characterized his
sainted founder. On the death of F. Adamson at Hartpury
Court, in 1831, he succeeded him on 4th June of that year;
258 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLEBOY.
and when the Dominicanesses had to quit that mansion on
19th September, 1839, after an occupation of forty-five
years, this firiendly and venerable father accompanied them
to their new convent of the Rosary, at Atherstone. He
remained with them until he had seen them comfortably
settled; and then retired to Hinckley, where he surren-
dered his pious soul into the hands of the God he had so
faithfully served from his youth upwards to the age of eighty-
four, on Sunday, 2nd June, 1844. On the following
Wednesday his precious remains were deposited in St. Peter's
conventual Church.
At Woodchester I saw a pleasing etching of the portrait
of this apostolic man.
Calderbank, James, O.S.B. — This zealous religious, after
serving Weston, came to Bath, vice Birdsall, as assistant to
P. Ainsworth, on whose death he succeeded to the chief
pastorship 5th February, 1814. P. Calderbank's "Series of
Letters in Answer to Questions proposed by a Clergyman
of the Established Church'' (8vo. pp. 236. 1814), for per-
spicuity, good sense, and moderation, do credit to his heart
and understanding. After presiding over the Bath mission
for three years, he retired to Liverpool, where he died 9th
April, 1821.
Calderbank, Leonard, nephew to the preceding, was
bom at Standish, near Wigan, Brd June, 1809 ; he studied
at Rome, and was there ordained priest by dispensa-
tion, 11th November, 1832. He made his d^btU on the
mission at Trelawny on Ist November, 183S, and left it for
Tawstock 10th June, 1835; but on 20th September, the
same year, made way for Dr. Crowe, and proceeded to
Weobly, co. Hereford, where he opened St. Thomas's Chapel
on 15th October, 1835; afterwards he was despatched to the
Welsh mission, thence to Poole, then to Cannington; but
on 18th January, 1840, was ordered to Spetisbury Convent,
where he found rest for nine years and nearly eight months.
On 9th November, 1849, he was called away from that
peaceftd abode. It was a painful separation; but he sub-
mitted in the spirit of obedience, and on reaching Prior-park
was appointed, pro tempore, Vice-President, and also to
teach a theological class. This experiment continued until
9th October, 1850^ when he was put in charge of the
Gloucester mission.
Camfian, Bichard, S.J., of a respectable family in Here-
fordshire. He joined the order at the age of twenty-two ;
for thirty-six years he laboured in the English vineyard.
BIOOKAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 269
twenty-four of which period were spent in these western
parts. He was called np to receive his retribution on 9th
July, 1677, set. seventy-two.
Carey, James, was bom in the parish of Kinnetty, in the
diocese of Killaloe, on 25th February, 1815. In 1841 he
volunteered for the Madras mission, went to India, and
finished his ecclesiastical studies in the seminary of that
place. He was afterwards ordained Priest, on 11th March,
1843, by the Bight Bev. Dr. Fennelly, bishop of Costoria,
and Vicar-Apostolic of Madras. In 1853 he returned to
Europe in consequence of ill-health, which being somewhat
restored, he went, in June, 1854, to Plymouth, where he
was received by the Bight Bev. Dr. Errington, on the
recommendation of his Grace the Most Bev. Dr. Cullen,
archbishop of Dublin, to whom Mr. Carey had been specially
recommended by Bishop Fennelly. On 15th July, 1854, he
received charge of the Falmouth mission. His immediate
predecessor was the Bev. Tiberius Sodorini.
Carpenter, Hermenegild, S.J., a native of France, but
aggregated in early, life to the English province. He had
been employed in the missions of Bnnn and Liverpool, before
he was stationed at Stapehill, in Dorsetshire. At length,
retiring to Bury St. Edmund's, he passed to eternal rest on
12th April, 1770, set. sixty-seven, rel. forty-nine, professed
of Four Vows thirty-one.
Carr, James, bom at Preston 4th Jime, 1795, was
educated at Stonyhurst ; he was admitted into the Society,
and was ordained one of its priests, and had served the Nor-
wich and Worcester missions, when he was sent to Wardour.
He arrived there in March, 1832, but not giving satisfaction,
quitted on 20th June that year. He has long since left the
Society, but is still living.
Carroll, Anthont, S. J., bom in Ireland 10th September,
1722; began his noviceship in 1744, and in 1762 was en-
rolled amongst the professed Fathers. Shortly after receiving
priesthood at Liege, in 1754, he exercised his zeal and
talents at Shepton Mallett, Exeter, and other places. In
1776 he published at London, a translation of Bourdaloue's
Sermons, under the title of "Practical Divinity,'* in four
vols. 8vo.
The end of this good old man was tragical. By the
'' Gentleman's Magaadne '' of 1794, p. 1055, it may be seen
that he was knocked down and robbed in Red lion Court,
Fleet Street, London, on 5th September of that year, and
s 2
260 BIOORAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEB6T.
was conveyed speechless to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where
he died at five o'clock on the following morning.
I am credibly informed that he was cousin to F. John
Carroll, S.J., founder of episcopacy in the United States,
consecrated in Lullworth Chapel 15th August, 1790, and
who died archbishop of Baltimore on Sunday, 3rd December,
1815, set. eighty.
Carroll, Michael, bom in co. Tipperary, 1808; he
received his education, for the most part, at Maynooth ; but
was promoted to the priesthood at Prior-park on 16th
November, 1838, and on 15th December next ensuing was
placed at Follaton. Thence, on 25th January, 1845, he
was transferred to Stonehouse as assistant, vice Bampton, to
F. Henry Riley: three years later he was despatched to Olou-
cester; after a twelvemonth, to Falmouth; and thence to
Tiverton, in May, 1851, where he had to eke out a sub-
sistence from the impoverished funds of Mr. Moutier's
noble endowment. After struggling with poverty and a
most lingering illness, during which ordeal he experienced
the generous consideration and attentions of Joseph Chi-
chester Nagle, of Calverleigh, Esq., this worthy man died
on the morning of 7th September, 1856, and was interred
on the 11th in the chapel-yard.
Cartll, Charles, S.J., died the incumbent of Stapehill,
12th June, 1745, aet. sixty, Soc. forty-one. A gravestone
in the nave of the parish church (Ham-Preston) is thus
inscribed : —
" Here lyeth the body of Mr. Charles Caryll, S.J., who died the 12th
day of Jane, 1745."
Cartll, Richard, S.J., brother, I think, to Charles
Caryll, and his successor at Stapehill. There he died 18th
February, 1750, O.S., aet. fifty-three, and was buried also in
Ham-Pi^ton Church. He had previously been stationed at
Bonham.
Q. Were not these Jesuits members of the respectable
family of Caryll, of East Grinstead, Sussex? In looldng
over the chapter-books of the EngUsh Franciscan province^
I find that Edward Caryll, Esq., founded a mission for them
at the cost of jei,300 (15th July, 1758, p. 352) ; but fixed
{inter alia) the following obligation of Masses : —
For his &ther, John Caryll, 24th April; for his mother,
Elisabeth Caryll, 2nd November,* for Catherine his wife.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CL£B6Y» 261
7th January ; Nathaniel Pigott, 15th Pehruary ; John Caryll,
jun., 17th April; Henry CaryD, 11th February; Richard
CaryU, 10th February ; Ralph Pigott, 9th January.
Casemore^ William Ignatius^ O.S.F.^ bom at Reading-
ISth September^ 1751^ after making his first studies
amongst the Jesuits^ embraced the holy rule of St. Francis.
He had been employed in several parts of the English vine-
jbtA, before he tendered his services to Bishop Sharrock^
V.A. of the Western District, who sent him, in January,
1805, to Falmouth as its first incumbent. Here he cond-
nued for thirteen years and a half, when declining health
occasioned his retirement to the Convent of Poor Clares, at
Coxside, Plymouth, where he died, 29th November, 1824,
and was buried in their cemetery.
Cary, Edward. — Judging from the family pedigree, I
infer that he was the third son of G-eorge Cary, of Cockington,
Esq., by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Edward Sey-
mour, of Berry Poraeroy, Bart. During the civil wars,
Edward, like his elder brother Sir Henry Cary, Knight,
served as an officer in the royal army. When the King's
cause became desperate, he embraced the ecclesiastical state,
and became a missionary. At the accession of King James
II., he was appointed chaplain-general to his Majesty's
Catholic forces, and after the Revolution was employed in
confidential negotiations with the friends of legitimate
monarchy. He died in 1711, and according to Dodd was
author of the '^ Catechist catechized concerning the Oath of
Allegiance,'* 1681, in 12mo., under the name of Adolphus
Brontius.
Cary, Francis, S.J. — In the Provincial Catalogue he is
described as having been bom in Devonshire in 1610 ; but
from the Cary pedigree I can learn nothing to throw
further light upon him. That he joined the Society at the
age of thirty-seven is certain. Perhaps he was then in
priest's orders. Having taught philosophy at Liege for some
time, he returned to England, and died in the London
mission 19th June, 1655.
Caset, William, bom in Tipperary, a.d. 1800. — He was
educated in St. John's College, Waterford, and there was
ordained at the age of twenty-four; he succeeded I'Abbd
Dessaux at MamhaQ, and on 8rd July, 1832, had the honour
and comfort, after much anxiety, to open his beautiful chapel
there. On Friday^ April 6th^ 1839, he left for a time to
262 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLSRGY.
supply at Tawstock; but returned to Mamhull ISth May,
1840, to the joy of his attached congregation.
Cass, Patrick, educated at All-Hallow's College, Dublin,
.was ordained at Maynooth, 24th June, 1852, and sent to
Plymouth as an assistant priest at St. Mary's under the
training of Bishop Errington. At the end of a twelvemonth
he was transferred to Bridport.
Catrow, Charles, educated at Donay College. One who
knew him well describes him as '^ a gentleman of much good
sense, good temper, and merit.'' He is connected with the
west by holding the situation of director to the Augustinian
Nuns at Spetisbury, where, " having adorned the doctrine of
God our Saviour in all things" (Titus ii. 10), he meekly
resigned his soul into the handis of lus Maker on 12th March,
1804, aged fifty-one. His friend the Rev. Ralph South-
worth has inscribed the following verses on his tomb : —
** For thee, the Virgin wand'ring in this grove,
Sacred to solitude and heav'n-bom love,
With mournful looks shall view th' azure sky.
The tender tear still trembling in her eye,
And as she sighs, a vow to heav'n shall send,
* Peace to my guide, my father, and my friend.' "
Chanteloup, Piebre, a very worthy French ecclesiastic.
In the historical part I have mentioned his acceptance of
the incumbency of Taunton in 1830 ; but at the end of three
years he retired from all pastoral duty to prepare himself
for eternity, into which he very suddenly entered, a few
months later, in his native country. He left the English
mission early in November, 1833; but I cannot ascertain
precisely the date of his death.
Cheadsey, William. — ^This eminent theologian reflected
honour on his native county, Somerset, and on Exeter Cathe-
dral, in which Dr. James TurberviUe, our last Catholic bishop,
collated him 3rd December, 1556, to the canonry and prebend,
void by the death of Dr. James Haddon. — (See his Lordship's
Register, fol. 13.) Though, in his disputations with the lead-
ing Reformers, he had signalized himself by a zeal according
to knowledge, with temper and golden moderation, the vin-
dictive spirit of Elizabeth, at her accession, fastened upon
him, stripped him of all his preferments, and consigned him
to the Fleet Prison, where he breathed his last in 1571. —
(See Dodd's Ch. Hist. vol. i. p. 509.)
Church, Edward, S.J., bom at St. Columb Major's,
Cornwall, on 15th November, 1728, at the age of eighteen
was admitted a novice of the order, and on 2nd February,
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEEGY. 268
1766, one of its professed fathers. For at least half a oen«
tury he was employed in missionary duty at Salisbury, at
Lullworth, &c. ; but his earthly course ran out at Rixton,
near Warrington, on 22nd January, 1820, aet. ninety-two.
His remains were deposited in a vault outside St. Joseph's
Chapel, Bedford Leigh.
Clarke, John, was educated at Prior-park, and ordained
priest at Clifton by Archbishop Errington, on Low Sunday,
80th March, 1856.
Clarkson, George, S. J., bom at Slatedelft, alias Southill,
near Chorley, 4th May, 1738. At the age of twenty he was
admitted into the Society. For some time before the suppres-
sion of his order, he resided, as I was informed by one that
knew him, at Leighland, near Cleeve;'^ thence was removed
to Stapehill, finsdly settled in his native place, where he
created a considerable mission, and erected the present chapel
and presbytfere about the year 1793. Worn out with labour
and years, this man of God gently expired 5th November,
1813.
Cliffords of Ugbrooke, and first —
Clifford, Edward Charles (Augustin), O.S.B., fifth son
of Charles Lord Clifford, the sixth baron of Chudleigh —
'^ PrEedaro nomine dignus,'* — was bom 5th February, 1803,
professed at Ampleforth 9th October, 1823, ordained priest
there by Bishop Smith 20th January, 1827, and said his
first Mass three days later : soon after — perhaps too soon —
he was despatched to the Bungay mission, thence removed to
Netherton, near Liverpool, which he quitted to go to the
Mauritius on 16th October, 1832. He died at Mahebourg
station there 22nd October, 1843, and was buried three
days later.
Clifford, Walter Charles, S.J., sixth son of the last-
mentioned nobleman, was bom at Ugbrooke 26th April,
1804. After finishing his course of humanities at Stony-
hurst, he entered St. Andrew's novitiate at Rome, November,
1823. Betuming to Stonyhurst, this amiable religious
defended, on 4th July, 1832, the whole theological course
with distinguished credit. On 19th September following he
was ordained subdeacon in the college church by Bishop
Penswick, deacon on the foUowing day, and priest on 22nd
of the same month and year. He was then appointed Pro-
* " Capella B. MarieB de Clyve, Bathon et Welleus. Dioc. super ripas
maris ab antiqao posits," occurs 12th December, 1308, in Stafford's
Roister, vol. i. p. 23.
264 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLERGT.
feasor of Logic and Metaphysics ; on 9th September^ 1835^
his services were required for the Preston mission; but
before the termination of three years, on 20th July, 1888,
he was transferred to Wardour as assistant to the Rev. James
Laurenson. Yet his heart yearned for the salvation of souls
in foreign countries, and the superiors consented to gratify
his zealous wishes. On 28th February^ 1841, he sailed for
Madura, in the diocese of Pondicherry. Here an extensive
field was opened for his ministerial exertions ; but, alas ! in
the midst of his spiritual conquests, — in the very height of
his usefulness, he was unfortunately drowned in the river
Cavery, uuder the fortress of Triclunopoly, on 22nd May,
1844.
Clifford, William Joseph Hugh, D.D., nephew to the
two last, being the second surviving son of their eldest bro-
ther, Hugh Charles, seventh Baron Clifford, of Chudleigh,
was bom at Irnham on Christmas-eve, 1823. After studying
for a time at Hodder-place, near Stonyhurst, Prior-park, and
subsequently in the CoUege of Nobles at Rome, he delivered
a Latin panegyric, in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary, in
the Templo Liberiano, on 15th August, 1840, before Pope
Gregory XYI. Eventually he was ordained sub-deacon at
Bruges on 2nd July, 1849, and deacon on 26th July same
year. His promotion to the priesthood was accomplished at
Clifton, in the Church of the Twelve Apostles, by Bishop
Hendren, on 25th August, 1850. To the service of that church
he remained attached until the 16th September of the follow-
ing year, when he started for Rome, but soon returned a
D.D. to assist Dr. Errington, the recently-consecrated bishop
of Plymouth^ as secretary and parish priest of St. Mary's^
Stonehouse. His lordship took him with him to the first
provincial council held at Oscott in July, 1852, where Dr,
Clifford was appointed one of its three secretaries. When
the Plymouth chapter was formed late in 1853, Dr. Clifford
was installed canon, theologian, and secretary on 6th Decem-
ber that year; he kindly consented, also, to act as treasurer of
the chapter, and was the generous donor of their official seal,
from a design of Charles Weld, of Chidiock, Esq. When
Dr. Errington was advanced by the brief of Pope Pius IX.,
bearing date 30th March, 1855, from Plymouth, to the
archiepiscopal see of Trebizonde, with the permission of
not residing there whilst it remained in the hands of the
infidels, but of abiding in England as coadjutor to Cardinal
Wiseman, Archbishop of Westminster, Dr. Clifford was elected
by the Plymouth Chapter, on 10th May, Vicar Capitular
BIOO&AFHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT. 265
during the vacancy of the see. In that capacity he assisted
at the second Frovincia] Council^ holden at Oscott two months
later. And when the brief of the above-named Pope^ dated
10th July, 1855, appointed Dr. Yaughan to the see of Ply-
mouth, his lordship wisely selected Dr. Clifford to continue
his Grand Vicar until his own consecration at Clifton on
16th, and his installation at Plymouth on 25th September,
1855. Dr. Clifford was afterwards permitted to repair to
Rome to finish a course of canon law. If it shall please God
to re-establish his health, which has been impaired by over-i
exertion, it is easy to foresee that Dr. Clifford must become
a prominent character in our English Catholic Church.
Quod faxit Deus, O. M. ! *
Clifton, Fbancis, S. J., bom in London of Irish parents,
6th November, 1742, joined the order in the twentieth year
of his age, and for a lengthened period was director to the
English Sepulchral Nuns at Liege. After their emigration,
he accompanied them. At Dean's House, about nine miles
from Salisbury, he served them from 1796 to 1799, Obiit
23rd May, 1812.— (See First Part, p. 156.)
Clinton, Alexander, S. J., whose real name was McKen-
zie, was bom in Scotland 23rd March, 1730. In 1756, after
seven years' training in the Society of Jesus, he was ordered
to the London mission, where he signalized himself by ener-
getic zeal and glowing charity to the poor, but especially to
the Catholic prisoners in the metropolis. He was the encou-
rager of merit and genius wherever he saw it, and to his
recommendation Dr. Archer owed his admission into Douay
College. The late Thomas Weld, of Lull worth Castle, charmed
with his active zeal and cheerftd piety, engaged him for his
chaplain in 1781, and for about fourteen years he resided in
that capacity. The venerable man then retired from mis-
sionary duty, paid a visit to Stonyhurst, and passed over
to Ireland, where his lamp of life went out on 5th June,
1800. He was an intimate friend of the saintly Bishop
Challoner, to whom he dedicated his treatise on Holy Com*
munion, in 1780.
Clossette, Joseph, S.J. — ^Though born in Flanders, he
was educated entirely amongst the English Jesuits. Soon
after his ordination, he was ordered to Wardour to supply
* The doctor's youngest brother, Walter Charles Ignatius Clifford, an
eight months* child, was bom at Rome 5th December, 1830. Cardinal
Odescalchi stood his godfather. After finishing his humanities at
Stonyhurst, he commenced his noYiceship in S. J. on 28th June, 1848,
and pronounced his soholasiic rows on 29th Jane, 1860.
266 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBSGT.
in the absence of F. Forrester^ who had accompanied Lord
and Lady Arundell and family to the Continent ; but, melan-
choly to relate, he was killed within a month after his arrival
by being thrown off his horse at Ludwell. This unfortunate
event occurred on 23rd October, 1781 : set. thirty.
Clouoh, James, S.J., bom in Liverpool, 11th January,
1803; entered the order 27th September, 1827, on his
promotion to priesthood at Yarmouth, where he laboured
with exemplary zeal; but on 30th September, 1831, was
transferred to Pilewell, vice F. Charles Waterton. In 1844
he was called to Stonyhurst — thence sent to Croft, and again
to Pilewell. As a last resource he was placed under the care
of F. Laurenson, at Wardour; but there he sunk, within
four months, from exhaustion of physical strength, on 8rd
November, 1848.
CocHET, Alexander, an excellent French priest, who did
duty for several years at Shapehill before he left for Sopley
in 1811. I think he returned to France after the restoration
of the Bourbons.
Coffin, Edward, S.J., a native of Exeter; entered an
alumnus of the English College at Rome in 1588, and ten
years later, whilst engaged as a missionary in England, enlisted
under the banner of St. Ignatius. His zealous exertions
procured for him the honour of becoming the '' Vinctus
Christi'' (See the Archseologia, xiii. p. 84). From the Tower
of London he was removed to Framlingham Castle; but
shortly after the accession of King James L, imprisonment
was commuted into perpetual banishment. Proceeding to
Rome, he filled the office of confessor in the English College
for nearly twenty years. On 10th September, 1625, he
quitted the eternal city for the purpose of revisiting his
native country ; but fell ill at St. Omer's, and there expired
on 17th April following, leaving behind him the reputation
of great learning, singular discretion, and unaffected piety.
In my Collectanea of the Jesuits, p. 71, 1 have enumerated
his publications.
Coleridge, Henrt James, is a son of the able judge
of the Queen's Bench — Sir John Taylor Coleridge. Whilst
fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, he became a convert to the
Catholic faith. Repairing to Rome, he was ordained priest
at St. John Lateran's, 7th April, 1855.
Colleton, John, alias Smith, bom at Milverton, oo.
Somerset. This influential secular priest had the honour of
being sent to the Tower of London, on 22nd July, 1581, for
BIOOBAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBQY. 267
his constancy in upholding the Catholic faith. It is to be
regretted, that in the subsequent affair of the archpriest he
conducted himself with unbecoming warmth ; insomuch, that
I read in a letter of Archpriest Blackwell, dated 12th May,
1599, '' The man knoweth not himself Episcopacy was
restored in the person of Dr. William Bishop,^ who was con-
secrated at Paris, on 4th June, 1623, by the title of Epis-
copus Chalcedonensis, in virtue of the Bull of Pope Gregory
XY., dated 15th March, 1622; but as Dr. Lingard justly
observes, his Holiness " made him revocable at pleasure.^'
(History of England, vol. vii. p. 552, also the Very Ilev. Canon
Tiemey's valuable Note, Dodd, vol. iv.. Appendix, cdxxxv.)
His lordship reached Dover on 21st July, 1623, but to the
regret of the faithful, died on 13th April following, 8et. seventy,
one. However, on the previous 10th September the new
bishop had installed his chapter, of which the Rev. John
Colleton was the dean, who survived till 29th October, 1635,
«t. eighty-seven. (See Sergeant's " Account of the English
Chapter/' by Tumbull : Dolman, 1853.) In considering the
acrimonious feelings and disputations of this period of our
English Catholic history, I often think of the exhortation of
Pope Leo X., in constitution 23, § 23, wherein he caUs upon all
Prelates, by the bowels of Qod's mercy, to treat and cherish
the regular clergy, as fellow- labourers, with benevolent affec-
tion — to exhibit themselves towards them " faciles, mites,
propitios, pi&que munificenti& liberales,'' and to maintain and
vindicate their rights and privileges ; so that both bishops
and regulars, " quorum opera, veluti lucemse ardentes supra
montem positae, omnibus Christi fidelibus lumen prsebere
debent, ad Dei laudem, Fidei Catholicse exaltationem, popu-
lorumque salutem, de virtute in virtutes proficiant."
CoLLiNGBiDOB (Bernardine), Peter, O.S.F., bom in
Oxfordshire, 10th March, 1757. In early life, as he after-
wards acknowledged to friends, his vocation balanced for a
time between adopting the institute of St. Ignatius and the
* Thomas Watson, the last of Qneen Mary's Catholic bi8hoi)8y died a
prisoner at Wisbech on 27th September, 1584. The Holy See judged it
unsuitable to the circumstances of the persecuting times to send over a
person of the episcopal order ; and, ad ifOerim^ an archpriest, with
twelve assistants, was appointed to superintend the secular clergy. The
first was the Rev. George Black well, who was appointed 7th March,
1598, and remained in office for ten years. He was succeeded by the
Rev. George Birkett in 1608, who died in office in 1614. The third was
William Harrison, admitted 11th July, 1615. and retained his rank
until the restoration of episcopacy in 1623. The regulars were allowed
to retain their former privileges by the briefs of Fope Urban VIII.,
"* Britannia;' dth May, 1631, and ^'PlankOa;' 12th July, 1633.
268 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOY.
rale of St. Francis ; but at length he decided on taking the
habit fix>m the hands of F. Peter Frost, who was elected the
Franciscan guardian of St. Bonaventure's, at Douay, 16th
July, 1770. Nine years later I find him appointed to teach
philosophy to his brethren — an ofSce which he filled with
credit till 5th August, 1785, when he was made Lector of
Divinity. The chapter-books show that he was elected
guardian of that convent on 27th August, 1788. At the
expiration of the term of his triennial government, he was
nominated president of the Franciscan Academy at Bad-
desley, near Birmingham ; thence his services were required
at the Portuguese Chapel, in London, vice F. William Pilling,
O.S.F. ; but soon after he was made assistant to the
Rev. John Griffiths, of St. George's Fields. In 1806 he
was elected provincial of his brethren. In the following
year Bishop Sharrock, V.A. of the Western District, secured
him for his coadjutor, and he was consecrated at St. Edmund's
College on 11th October, 1807, as bishop of Thespise. For
a time this learned and saintly doctor resided at Chepstow,
at Taunton, at Clifton, at iSrenchard St. Chapel House,
Bristol, but finally at Cannington, where he died suddenly
on 8rd March, 1829, and was there buried on the 10th, his
seventy-second birthday. A more zealous, disinterested, and
unostentious prelate could not exist.
CoLLTNs, Charles Hbnrt, S.J., bom in Exeter 13th Sep-
tember, 1820, whilst his father. Rev. Dr. Colly ns, was master
of St. John's Free Grammar School (he had been elected to
the office 27th January, 1819; resigned at Christmas, 1835) ;
after an education under his father, he entered Christ Church
College, Oxford, at Michaelmas term, 1837, proceeded
B.A. in 1841, and M.A. in 1844, after receiving orders in
the Established Church during the preceding autumn. The
Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Oxford, was the scene of his
ministrations. But in the words of Ecclesiasticus, xi. 13,
''Oculus Dei respexit ilium in bono,^^ his upright heart
Ustened to the inspirations of grace ; and his docility was
rewarded with the gift of faith, which he lovingly embraced
on the feast of All Saints, 1845, at Prior-park. A year
later, on 13th November, 1846, he entered the Novitiate,
S.J.^ and at the end of his probation applied himself to a
complete course of theology at St. Beuno^s. He had been
promoted to priesthood in the Ember-week of September,
1851. The year following witnessed his appointment as the
first missioner of St. Oswald^s, Accrington, which he served
BIOOKAFHICAL U8T OF THE CLERGY. 269
nearly a twelTemouth, when, in September, 1858, his senrioes
were transferred to Liverpool.
CoLUMB, John, S.J. — I collect from F. Morels History,
page 21, that this native of Devon joined the Society at
Louvain in the 26th year of his age ; that he was received as
confessor in the English College of Douay ; and that he died
in 1588, after passing ten years in the order. Dodd seems
not to have been aware of him.
CoMPTON, Philip, bom in the neighbourhood of WeUs
in 1734, was educated at Douay College, served Chidiock
twenty-five years, and Calverleigh for about six years.
Retiring then to Dunster, he finished his course on 23rd
July, 1803. He excelled chiefly in cabinet-work, dialling,
and mechanical science.
Connor, Maurice, bom at KiUarney in Febmary, 1791,
was educated at Maynooth. On 8th March, 1823, Bishop
CoUingridge appointed him confessor to the Theresians
at Lanheme, and pastor to the faithful aroimd; but he
quitted that post for the Salisbury mission, on 3l8t October,
1826. Early in 1831 he was transferred to Falmouth;
but at the end of a twelvemonth he was off to Swansea. In
July, 1833, he reached Tawstock, which he quitted abruptly
in May, 1835. He then made an experiment of the Trap-
pists' l^e, and this not suiting, he left for the Trinidad
mission, where a fever put an end to his erratic life in
December, 1840.
CoNYBRs, Thomas, S.J. — It is evident from the Provincial
Catalogues, that he was employed, in 1746, in the residence
of St. Stanislaus, which included Devon and Comwall ; but
I cannot ascertain the length of his service, nor even the
precise locality. He was bom in London the last day of the
jeBX 1715. His missionary career terminated, with his life,
m Lancashire, on 20th April, 1780. Soc. forty-four.
Cooke, Charles, bom in Yorkshire in 1806. — After
studying well at Ushaw, he was promoted to priesthood at
Prior-park in 1834, and on 28th March, 1835, was placed at
Salisbury. Here he continued for five years. In the middle
of July, 1840, he was sent to Lanheme, which he quitted
abmptly on 6th June, 1844. Thence he removed to Prior-
park ; but after some months' stay, accepted the Uttoxeter
mission, which he soon abandoned. In the charity of his
reverend firiend F. McDonnell, he found a protection at
Gloucester; and when that experienced missionary was
270 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERQT.
appointed to the charge of the Stonehouse congregation bjr
Bishop Hendren^ he proposed to take Mr. Cooke with him as
an assistant in July^ 1850 ; here much work was to be done^
and under the auspices and inspection of such a veteran^
Mr. Cooke did his part con amore. But when that fatherly
guide quitted the new diocese of Plymouth for that of
Clifton^ and was stationed at Shortwood^ then Bishop
Errington removed Mr. Cooke to the pastoral charge of
Axminster. Oh I that his lordship could have retained him
under his immediate presence ; for the truth must be told^
he was unfit to be his own master^ and to be trusted alone.
Instead of becoming his own enemy^ he might have proved
an ornament to religion, if he could have been employed in
a college, or in a monastery, where he might have been safe
from the temptation to intemperance, which is almost an
incurable and incorrigible vice.* Within seven months he
had to surrender his charge of Axminster into the bishop's
hands, and we had all to lament that a mind so intellectual,
a heart so kind and generous, a constitution naturally so
robust, should become utterly useless in the service of our
holy Church. The grace of God led him to enter into
himself like the prodigal, and to throw himself on the cha-
ritable protection of his former reverend friend. His
reception at Shortwood was worthy of so good a father.
For a time he conducted himself to the satisfaction of his
patient sentinel ; but in November, 1852, there was a fresh
outbreak. Notwithstanding this, P. M'Donnell consented
to give him another trial, and the poor penitent seemed to
be perfectly conscious of his misery and degradation of
character. In the temporary absence of his friend, the
passion for liquor returned ; and he made his escape alto-
gether on 21st July, 1853. After wandering about the
country, he reached St. Bernard's Abbey on 3rd of August.
The next day the worthy abbot signified his arrival, and
described him "as being in a very deplorable state, — his
health and spirits broken down. It is providential that he
* This was the opinion of Monseigneur La Motte, the venerable
bishop of Amiens. In the Memoirs of the prelate by I'Abb^ Proyart,
▼ol. i. p. 198, the writer states that his lordship related a frightful anec-
dote in confirmation of his opinion ; vk., of a prient of his diocese, who
for habitual excesses of this kind had been placed in confinement. In
this state, after having given proofs of steady sobrietv during fifteen
years and more, no sooner was ne restored to perfect liberty, than that
very night he indulged in liquor to such an excess, as to be found dead
in the public-house the next morning. How sage the advice of Ovid :—
** Principiis obsta : sero medicina paratnr,
Cum mala per longas invaluere moras."
BtOORAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT. 271
reached this alive^ — ^without a penny, or as ranch as a change
of linen, or clothes of any kind. He promises to be quite a
different man, and from henceforth to attend in right earnest
to the one thhig necessary. God grant it I **
But he soon grew weary of the Trappists' regular diet,
and, leaving St. Bemard^s, relapsed into his former habit.
After rambling over the country, it was at last discovered
that he had reached Nottingham. Nature could hold out no
longer, and he sunk into the sleep of death on 17th August,
1854, about seven o'clock p.m.
'^ Deus sit propitius huic potatori.^' And may his example
serve as an awful warning to us all 1 Amen.
CooMBEs, William, bom at Meadgate, in Camerton
parish, co. Somerset, on 4th August, 1743, for many years
shone as one of the brightest jewels of Douay College,
which he finally qtdtted in 1777. He was never attached to
any mission; but during a long period was the respected
Grand Vicar of the Western District. Whilst residing on
his property at Meadgate, with his sister and niece, he
received intelligence that the rioters of Bath, who had just
destroyed the Catholic chapel there, in June, 1780, were
advancing in great force towards Meadgate: he hastened
for protection towards the parsonage-house of the Bev.
J. Brooke,* the liberal rector of Hinton Bluett. This worthy
gentleman, who, under the apprehension that his own house
would be attacked by the ftirious mob, on the ground of
his wife being a Catholic, had sent off his plate and valu-
ables to a trusty cottager's care, and removed elsewhere his
best furniture, advised Mr. Coombes to conceal himself in
Tucker's Wood, distant about a quarter of a mile, and there
to remain until he should hear him whistle for him. Mr.
Coombes felt the prudence of his friend's admonition, and
there lay concealed for the remainder of the day. At length
the rector received the satisfactory tidinga that a strong
military detachment had arrested the advance of the rioters,
and dispersed them without effecting their intended mischief.
In the evening the rector repaired to the wood, and, on
* This reyerend fi;enUeman had married Ann James, a Catholic, and
was known to he favourahlv disposed towards her religion, which he
subseanently embraced. He sold the advowson of his rectory, and
proved himself a benefactor to the Shortwood mission. Ob. 1824, at
West-house, near his old parsonage. During these Gordon riots, such
was the fear of the fanatical mob. that it was thought expedient to take
down the cross from the parish church, to prevent the edifice itself from
being demolished.
272 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROY.
giying the preconcerted signal^ Mr. Coombe emerged from
his hiding-place.
Thirty years after this event, I remember to have had the
happiness of meeting this venerable man at Sbepton Mallett.
He died at Bath, on 18th April, 1822, set. seventy-nine, and
was buried in the vault of St. John's Chapel there.
CooMBEs, William Henkt, D.D., nephew to the last-
mentioned, was bom, as he informed me, at Meadgate, on
8th May, 1767. In this family abode had been a chapel ;
but for several years the house had been converted into an
inn. At the age of twelve William was sent to Douay
College, where he arrived, with his neighbour Joseph Hunt,
on 11th July, 1779. Here the youth gave promise of what
the man would be, — amiable, docile, devout, and very
studious, — eager to improve and enlarge his mind. In the
Ember Week of Advent, 1791, he was promoted to priest-
hood, the jubilee of which the dear old man celebrated so
becomingly at Shepton Mallett, as many can remember.
Whilst teaching rhetoric at Douay, the French Revolution
broke out, and the Committee of Public Safety, as it was
called, as an earnest of theur regard for liberty, justice,
• equality, and fraternization, decreed, on 10th October, 1798,
that ''All subjects of his Britannic Majesty then in France
must forfeit their property, as well as personal freedom.''
Our young professor, little fancying such prospects, stole
away from the town, and reached the skirts of the village
of Escherquin, a distance of three miles from Douay, in
which was the college country-house, when a stranger
accosted him, and inquired if he had no apprehension in
appearing so publicly at such a critical moment. His
manner was prepossessing in his favour, and inspired confi-
dence ; and on hearing Mr. Coombes's wish to escape, the
stranger advised him to address himself at once to the mayor
for a passport, thence to proceed to Mons, within reach
of the allied armies ; and, in order to disguise his project,
made him the bearer of a large commission for coals. De-
lighted with the proposal, he hurried to the village, went
direct to the country-house, and began to make arrange-
ments to start at four the next morning. But man proposes,
and it is Grod who disposes; for behold, about six o'clock
the same evening, who should make his appearance in the
court of the college country-house, but the mayor himself!
The commissary of the district joined his worship shortly
after, announcing that the premises were now surrounded by
forty armed men. Submitting patiently to this disappoint-
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOT. 273
ment of his hopes^ he was escorted to Douay early the next
morning, and consigned to the new prison^ recently the
Scotch College. On the fourth day of his confinement
orders arrived to convey the prisoners in waggons to the
citadel of Dourlens, in Picardy. That same evening, whilst
passing through the village of St. Laurent, near Airas, our
reverend lover of personal freedom slipped from his waggon,
unperceived by his guards, and got into a cottage. Wheu
the train had passed on^ he quitted this asylum, and after
perilous rambling, from shortness of sight, early on the
17th reached a friendly house, but where, to prevent all
danger of discovery, it was necessary to remain in a retired
apartment, from which the daylight was excluded. Such was
his distress in this particular, that he was obliged to place
himself in the chimney in order to gain light to recite his
Breviary. Late that evening, he had the comfort of meeting
his reverend fellow-collegians, Messrs. Devereux and Rickaby,
who had also eluded the vigilance of their guards. This union
of numbers, whilst it animated them with more courage,
perhaps added to the danger of discovery ; but after excessive
fatigue, and many hair-breadth escapes, they reached the
Austrian lines, about four o'clock a.m., 20th of October,
1793; surrendered themselves to the patrols at Contiches, by
whom they were conducted to General Kray at Orchies,
who treated them with civility, and gave them a guide
to Toumay.
On reaching England he learnt that Bishop Douglass, the
zealous Vicar- Apostolic of London, was actively engaged in
preparing Old Hall Green Academy for his episcopal semi-
nary (see the History of St. Edmund's College in ^' Catholic
Miscellany,'' 1826-29), and his lordship solicit^ Mr. Coombes'
valuable co-operation. He most cheerfuUv acquiesced ; and
after some time was appointed Professor of Divinity. Many
of our dignified clergy have taken their seat at the feet of
this Gamaliel. On 12th December, 1801, Pope Pius VII.
awarded to him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In 1810
he accepted the mission of Shepton Mallett, which he held
for thirty-nine years, during twenty of which he had the
direction of the convent of the Visitation Nuns there, and
they enjoyed this privilege until their removal to Westbury,
near Bristol, in May, 1880.
Dr. Coombes was an enlightened spiritualist and a self-
denying priest : as a Greek scholar he had few equals. To
this liberal-minded friend, this gifted scholar and divine, we
are indebted for the following publications : —
1. Sacred Eloquence. 8vo. London: 1798. Pp.343.
T
274 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
2. Oration on Piu8 VI. London : 1800. Pp. 129.
8. Letters of certain French Bishops to Pius VI. Pp. 24.
1800.
4. Letters on Catholic Affairs^ under the Signature of
" The British Ohserver," which appeared in " Cobbett's
Register '' in the years 1804, 1805, and 1806.
5. Life of St. Francis de Sales, in 2 vols. 8yo. Shepton
MaUett: 1812.
6. Entertainments of St. Francis de Sales, with an addition
of some Sacred Poems. Taunton : 1814. Pp. 515.
7. Essence of Religious Controversy. 8vo. 1827. Pp. 416.
8. Letter to the Duke of Wellington on certain Clauses in
the Belief Bill. London: 1829. 1^.8.
9. Life of Jane Frances Chantal, from original Records.
London: 2 vols. 8vo. 1830.
Retiring from all missionary duty on 12th June, 1849, the
venerable doctor passed the remainder of his days with the
dear Benedictines at Downside, who studied his every com-
fort. There he slept in the Lord on 15th November, 1850;
and, as he desired, was buried in their cemetery. His
epitaph is as follows : —
Orate pro anima
Gul. Hen. Coombes, S. T. P.
Collegii Angl. Duaci Sac.
Glim per annos fere q^uadraj^inta
Sheptonise Missionarii.
Obiit in Monasterio S. Gregorii Magni
de Downside die 16 Nov. 1860
Mi. 84. Sac. 59.
CujuB anioue propitietur Deus.
Amen.
Cooper (Maurus), Ralph, O.S.B. — Of this discreet and
efficient missionary, I have treated in the seventh chapter of
the first part. At present I shall only say, that he was born
in the parish of Walton le Dale, Lancashire, on 4th April,
1799; educated at Ampleforth; there professed in 1817,
ordained priest at Ushaw in 1823, and that I am under a
deep sense of gratitude to him for furnishing me with many
particulars in these my humble researches. Long may the
mission of Chipping Sodbury be enlightened by his experi-
ence and be edified by his exemplary life 1
Constable, Robert, S.J.,bom at Thirsk. — After studying
five years in the English College at Rome, he was permitted
to join the order, and in due time was numbered amongst
their professed fathers. From the examination of his register
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF TRB CLBBGY. 275
at Wardour^ he seems to have superintended that important
mission from 1744 to 1759, when he was summoned to
govern the novitiate at Watton. The Rev. Joseph Reeve,
in his narrative MS. of the breaking up of St. Omer's
College on 9th August, 1762, relates that he, being charged
with escorting the firat division of the scholars, reached
Watton that evening, and that " its rector, F. Robert Con«
stable, received us with all the feeling and tender kindness
of a father ; for he was a good, religious man, and the spirit
of God was in him.'' Shortly after the remo^ of the novi-
tiate to Ghent, he accepted the situation of chaplain to Lady
Haggerston, and died at her house at York, 3rd February,
1770.
CoRco&AN, James, O.S.D., bom at Cashell 25th July,
1800; ordained at Rome 10th July, 1825; arrived at Tre-
lawny, as its first missionary, 12th August, 1831 ; removed
to FoUaton 1st November, 1833, which he quitted on 3rd
August, 1834, to accompany Bishop (now Archbishop)
Folding to Sydney. There this zealous religious met with
a premature death on 5th September, 1837, by the over-
turning of a gig. His solemn funeral was described in the
" Sydney Gazette '* of the 9th September of that year.
CoKNELivs, John, S.J. — In p. 37 of the first part I had
proposed to give a lengthened memoir of this very illustrious
champion and sufferer for the faith at Dorchester on 4th
July, 1594; but after the admirable narrative of Bishop
Challoner, and some additional matter related in p. 74 of the
Collectanea S.J., it would be superfluous. See also the
History of Father More.
CoRNPORTH, Thomas. — This apostolic priest long resided
at Stour Provost, and was very instrumental in creating there
a fund for his successors in that mission, which usually
passes by the name of MarnhuU. There he " died on 5th
August, 1748, on Friday evening, about 8 o^clock, aged
seventy," as I found in the memorandum of a Prayer-book.
CosTELLO, Rbv. Thomas, D.D. — Thomas Costello, de-
scended from an ancient and respectable family, of which
the original name was Nangle, or Nagle (^'Hibernia Domini-
cana," p. 313), was born in the county of Mayo, on 2l8t
December, 1769. At the Irish College of Bordeaux he went
through the triennial course of philosophy : thence he pro-
ceeded to Salamanca, where he took the degree of Bachelor
of Divinity on Zlst July, 1797. His diploma of D.D. he
had kept secret from the world, and the truth came only to
T 2
276 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBGY.
light after his death. Eetnming to his native ooantry^ he
was appointed to Ejrrecourt parish^ in the diocese of Clonfert,
by its bishop^ his uncle^ the Right Rev. Dr. Costello.* Some
business having called Mr. Costello to England in the spring
of 1821, he was introduced in April of that year at Bristol to
Dr. Collingridge^ the Vicar- Apostolic of the Western District.
This prelate had just received information of the sudden
death of the Rev. Alexander Simon, the Catholic incumbent
at Stonehouse, and well knowing the importance of that
place, the resort of so many foreigners, and the station of so
many Irish Catholics in the military and naval service, he
earnestly requested Mr. Costello, who spoke most of the con*
tinental languages, and was well versed in Irish, to under-
take the vacant charge. With reluctance, his diocesan
consented to part with him ; but having obtained permission^
Mr. Costello forthwith proceeded to Plymouth, and during
thirteen years laboured at his post with the zeal of an
apostle, and ingratiated himself amongst all classes by his
gentlemanly deportment and universal benevolence. At
length, finding the increasing duties of the place too fatiguing
for his constitution, he solicited his removal to some easier
situation. On quitting Pl^outh, the townspeople, of all
denominations, presented him with a piece of plate, ''as a
token of respect and esteem.'' On 25th May, 1834, he was
transferred to Cannington ; thence he was moved to Calver-
leigh Court on 29th January, 1837, until the establishment
at St. John's, near Tiverton, could be ready for him. Here
he opened, on 19th May, 1839, its handsome chapel, which
he was anxious should prove a temple of peace and concord
to all around him. A twelvemonth later, at the invitation
of his special friend, the late Lady Wrey, which occurred 28rd
July, 1842, he accepted the situation of chaplain at Taw-
stock Court ; but after the death of that kind patroness, his
health requiring a change, he returned to Tiverton, to the
joy of many, especially of the poor. During the three last
years he added to the number of his friends many of the
most respectable families in that town and neighbourhood :
in fact, he was a general favourite. It pleased God on the
16th March, 1846, to visit him with a paralytic attack, which
terminated fatally on Saturday, the 2l8t. All who knew
him must have esteemed and loved him ; but after enjoying
the honour of his friendship for a quarter of a century, none
can more sincerely mourn his loss than I. He died in the
seventy-seventh year of his age.
* This yenerable prelate died 8th October, 1831, aged ninety-one,
and forty-fourth year of hie episcopacy.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROIT. 277
CoTHAM (Ambrose), James, O.S.B., bom 12th February,
1810, at Liverpool ; studied at St. Edmond's, Douay ; entered
his venerable order 18th May, 1829; ordained priest at
Prior-park 20th December, 1834, for the Tasmanian mission,
where he arrived on 8th August, 1835. For eighteen years
he served there as colonial and convict chaplain, visiting all
parts of the colony ; but for the first nine years principally
resided at Launceston and Richmond, in both of which towns
he erected a church, presbytery, &c. From January, 1845,
to January, 1851, he had charge of the Queen's Orphan
Schools, the Oeneral Hospital, and the principal convict
establishments in the vicinity of Hobart-town. Having
obtained eighteen months' leave of absence from the govern-
ment, he sailed for England 17th January, 1851, and on the
discontinuance of convict transportation to Tasmania, sub-
sequent to his arrival in his native country, the government
granted him a retiring pension of £57. 10^. per annum. In
July, 1852, he was appointed to the mission of Cheltenham.
CoTHAM, William, S.J., elder brother of the preceding,
born at Liverpool 80th August, 1806 ; admitted a novice at
Mount Rouge at the age of twenty ; was ordained priest in the
Ember-week of Advent, 1834, and said his first Mass at
Stonyhurst on 21st December that year; succeeded F. J.
Brownbill 24th September, 1835, and for full ten years
displayed unwearied zeal in the discharge of his missionary
duties. He then was recalled to Stonyhurst, where he was
charged for a time with the care of that large congregation ;
then was sent to the arduous mission of Wigan ; but is now;
stationed at Portico.
CoucHB, John, S.J., bom at Tolfrey, near Fowey, on
14th April, 1744, and joined the order in 1762. For some
time was incumbent at Canford and at Lullwortb ; but spent
the last twenty-two years of his missionary career at South-
end, Hants. Retiring then to Greenwich, he there died on
29th December, 1813.
N.B. His near relation William Couche, son of William
Conche, of Tolfrey, Esq., by his wife Anne, daughter of
Peter Hoskins, of Ibberton, Dorset, was bom on 5th
February, 1732; he became a scholastic of the Society of
Jesus, and promised to become a valuable member of the
order, when he was carried off prematurely at Idege on 23rd
Febmary, 1763. Soc. four. I have read with admiration
the well- written and very edifying memoir, " De Vita Virtu-
tibusque Gulielmi Couche,^' from the pen of his friend.
Father Ralph Hoskins.
278 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
CouRBEi Charles^ S.J. — This good French Jesuit was
chaplain to WilliaiUi the late Lord Stourton^ soon after his
marriage, at Deanalease ; then to James Everard, ninth Lord
Arundell^ at Ashcombe ; but ended his days at Rotherwaas
22nd June, 1815.
Coupi, Jean, bom at Bomazy, in Higher Brittany, 20th
March, 1765; ordained at Dol in December, 1789; emi-
grated in September, 1792, and established himself in
Exeter as a teacher ef the French language. I found him
here, in 1808, generally respected for his gentle virtues and
superior talents: as an English scholar 1^ was unequalled
any of his countrymen, except M. Premord. At my recom-
mendation he accepted the charge of the Tor-Abbey mission
after the retirement of M. le Hericy in 1816, and continued
there his efficient services until 15th June, 1820, when he
took shipping to revisit his native country. After a few
months' stay, he came back to me at Exeter; and on 28th
December, 1820, I prevailed upon him to succour the con-
gregation at Poole, * which remained destitute of a pastor.
He consented, in his charity, to do so ; but at Michaelmas,
1825, surrendered his trust into the bishop's hands, that he
might return to France, and prepare for eternity. He
survived until 31st December, 1842.
Cowley (Gregory), Wiiliam, O.S.B., an honoured name
amongst his brethren. For a long time he was the amiable
and accomplished prior of St. Edmund's, at Paris. The
celebrated Dr. Johnson held him in the highest esteem. In
1794 he succeeded to the dignity of president, and died in
office at Vernon Hall, co. Lancaster, 19th June, 1799,
ttt. sixty-seven. He is connected with the West, by being
resident chaplain with the Hydes, near Marlborough, from
1790 to 1794.
Crowe, Michael Francis, D.D., bom near Limerick on
4th August, 1804. After receiving the earlier part of his
education in his native country, he repaired, at the age of
seventeen, to Paris, and entered the Royal College of
St. Stanislaus as a lay student. At the General Concursus,
two years later, he obtained the first prize in philosophy,
and received the degree of Bachelier es Lettres. Shortly
after, he commenced the study of divinity in the College of
the French Missions, was ordained, by papal dispensation,
in the course of the year 1827, and was successively appointed
BIOOaAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOY. 279
to teach philosophy and diyinity in the college aforesaid. The
delicate state of his health compelling him to resign this
professorship, he was nominated priest vicar in the Church
of Notre Dame des Yictoires; but in January, 1828,
M. de Quelen, archbishop of Paris, transferred him to
St. Roch. After defending a thesis at Sorbonne, the degree of
B.D. was awarded him, and in 1830 he was named an Hono-
rary Clerk to the Royal Chapel ; but the Revolution of July,
that year, put an extinguisher on every prospect of prefer-
ment in that quarter. Proceeding to Rome, he finished the
theological course at the Sapienza, and after sustaining a
public thesis, in 1833 received, from the hand of his
Eminence the Archchancellor, the insignia of D.D. He
then took charge of the sons of Sir Edward Smythe and
Sir Thomas Stanley, Baronets, and after accompanying them
through Europe and the East, arrived in England in 1835 ;
and on 20th September, that year, became the approved
pastor of the Tawstock mission. He was the first incumbent
there who commenced a register, and many are indebted to
him for the knowledge of Catholic truth. On 10th April,
1837, he resigned this situation to become tutor to the only
son of Sir Clifford Constable, Bart.
This charge being accomplished to the satisfaction of all
parties, the worthy doctor, in his zeal for souls, undertook
the upper mission in Bath. Converting the ground-floor of his
house in Brunswick -street into a very decent place for public
worship, his love of the ministry and his reputation for
eloquence attracted a considerable congregation. Satan,
jealous of the progress of the faith, and of the happiness it
diffuses, tempted some emissaries to whisper some suspicions,
and gradually to broach reports, against the moral chieuracter
of this exemplary priest and finished gentleman. When
such rumours reached his ears, he at once demanded an
investigation, and good Bishop Hendren, that lover of
justice, ever mindful of St. PauPs command to Timothy
(1 Epis. v. 19), '' Against a priest receive not an accusation,
but under two or three witnesses ; '^ and again of the admo-
nition of St. Isidore, " Nullum damnare, nisi comprobatum ;
nullum excommunicare, nisi discussum,'' appointed a com-
mission of inquiry into the case; and the result was, an
honourable acquittal of the accused. But his unscrupulous
opposers returned to their dirty work again. How embit-
tered and disappointed they must have felt, when his
attached congregation presented him with a valuable silver-
gilt chalice and paten, in the decorated style of the twelfth
280 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST 07 THE CLEBOY.
century, as a testimony of their gratitude for his pastoral
exertions during the previous four years : —
Presented
to
The Very Rer. M. F. Crowe, D.D.,
By the Members of this Congregation
And other Catholics of this City,
In token of their profound respect
For his many eminent virtttes.
And in grateral acknowledgment
Of his zealous and efficient services
In the Sacred Ministry.
Bath,
Dec. 12th, 1851.
It was accompanied with a suitable address^ in which they
openly state, that " they had possessed the best opportunities
of becoming acquainted with the many excellent qualities
that adorn your character as a priest, a scholar, and a
gentleman.^' The reader will be interested in reading this
transaction in the '^Catholic Standard '^ journal of 20th
December, 1851.
Bishop Hendren's resignation of the see of Clifton was
an ill omen to the doctor's peaceful prospects at Bath.
Summary power passed into other hands. In the case
before us, an eminent divine, an ecclesiastic of long standing,
who had been employed in the missions of Tawstock and of
Bath by Bishops Baines, Ullathome, and Hendren, is simply
told : " In this diocese of Clifton we are supreme ; we
dispense with your services.'^ In vindication of his character,
—of the rights and honour of the ministry, — ^the injured
doctor appealed to Home. In this he acted with becoming
spirit and sober wisdom ; all that I regretted was, that in
passing through London to Bome^ early in September, 1852,
he had not sought an interview with our English Cardinal,
and thus have obviated the delays incidental to suits in
the Ecclesiastical Courts. This omission, in the hurry of his
movements, and whilst his mind was smarting under the
sense of unmerited wrong, he himself, in the sequel, most
deeply lamented. He arrived in the Eternal City on 22nd
September. After experiencing almost incredible subter-
fuges and intrigue, his case reached the ear of his Holiness,
who declared that Dr. Crowe's services entitled him to the
full rights of incorporation, and to the same privileges as the
other priests attached to the diocese of Clifton ; and it was
admitted that the course of proceedings against him was
unjustifiable, uncanonical, and in every way irregular. The
result of the suit was^ that Cardinal Wiseman, the Archbishop
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOY. 281
of Westminster^ came forward to take him under his immediate
protection^ and offered him a distinguished position in the
important mission of Chelsea^ where he labours with an assi-
duity and success honourable to himself, and satisfactory to
his friendly promoter. Had the doctor been of a litigious and
contumacious temper^ it is firightAil to think what mischief
might have been occasioned to religion in the then excited
state of the nation against the newly-constituted hierarchy I
Whilst life remains^ I can never forget the heroic exer-
tions of Dr. Crowe^ in the midst of his sufferings^ to rescue
poor Monsignore Fisher^ of Lyme, from disgrace and ruin.
No one could have done more in the attempt to save a soul
from death. May Heaven reward such disinterested and
enlightened zeal in the resurrection of the just ! Amen.
Since writing the above, I regret to learn that his health
broke down from over-exertion, and that, with the advice of
Sir Benjamin Brodie, he resigned his pastoral charge. This
eminent surgeon pronounces the ailment to be sciatica. I
trust that, under the unremitting care of Sir Benjamin, his
patient may soon be enabled to resume his official duties.
But, '' Honi soit qui mal y pense '' should be attended to by
clergy as well as laity.
Crowther, Thomas Timothy Alphonsus, O.S.A. — This
English convert was sent from Bome by Dr. Joseph Palermo,
Oeneral of the Augustinian Order, in July, 1852, to assist
F. (yDonnell at the Church of St. Nicholas, Bristol. In
consequence of the supposed invasion of the rights of his
order, the said Oeneral summoned F. O'Donnell to Bome, to
^ve evidence. Whilst the suit was pending, F. Crowther was
employed by Bishop Burgess at St. Mary's, Montpellier,
Bath ; but this he quitted for Liverpool.
Cullinan, William. — ^This zealous priest came from
Ireland in July, 1843, and was appointed successor to
F. O'Ferrall at St. Joseph's, Trenchard Street, Bristol;
thence originated a new mission at Bedminster, but early in
August, 1852, was directed by Bishop Burgess to make seisin
of the Augustinian Chapel of St. Nicholas, at Bristol. This
act of authority, under pain of suspension, was submitted to
by the incumbent, F. O'Doimell, O.S.A., but under protest.
Mr. Cullinan was succeeded in that arduous mission by the
Very Bev. Canon Illingworth on 1st September, 1853.
282 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBGY.
D.
Daly, William, was bom at Newton Barry, co. Wexford,
16th October, 1814; entered, at Marseilles, into the new
order of the Conceptionists, founded by Monseigneur Eugene
Mazenod, who was consecrated bishop of that city on 14th
October, 1832, and who ordained him priest on 3rd May,
1841. He was at first appointed to the Penzance mission.
Removed from the order, he is at present employed in the
Failsworth mission, near Manchester.
Daniel, Edward, alias Pickford, D.D., a native of Corn-
wall, was sent early to Douay College, and after studying
philosophy and one year of divinity, was sent with nine
others to Lisbon, to colonize the New Secular College founded
in that city by Don Pedro Continho. These promising
youths reached their destination on 14th November, 1628,
and on the 22nd of Februaryfollowing the college was solemnly
opened, and has continued up to the present time a prolific
nursery of able scholars and missionaries. Mr. Daniel having
received the degree of D.D. in 1640, was permitted to leave
for the English mission, but was recalled in June, 1642, to
be president of the college, an office which he filled for six
years with distinguished credit. Shortly after, he returned
to Douay, where he rendered invaluable service as a professor
of theology and a confessarius. In July, 1653, he quitted
for England, where he remained until his death, in Septem-
ber, 1657. His ^' Book of Meditations," for the use of the
English College of Lisbon, published in 1649, republished
and enlarged six years after his death at Douay, I should be
glad to see re-edited and revised ; but could wish one passage^
in the third meditation, on the state and obligation of a mis-
sionary priest, page 451, were expunged, viz. : *' Finally, if
thou comest to want, thou must even sit down with it, and
practise that poverty which others profess and feel not, but
are on all sides assisted, respected, and honoured, — nay, wiU
be the first that shall work thee out of harbour, if good luck
have any way accommodated thee."
Danibl, John, O.S.P., brother to the preceding. — ^After
finishing his education at Douay College, and his pro-
motion to priesthood, he joined the restored English pro-
vince of the Franciscans on 16th December, 1618. He
was appointed the second guardian of St. Bonaventure's
at Douay, and on 30th AprU, 1653, was chosen provincial.
He died between the Chapter holden SOth April, 1659,
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEKQT. 288
and the Intermediate Congregation of the 4th November,
1660.
. Qy. Who was Hieronymos Pickford, O.S.F., often called a
St. Bonaventura ?
Danson^ Thomas^ veri Douthwaites, bom in Yorkshire
28th February, 1798; educated at Ushaw ; reached St. John's,
Tiverton, 21st June, 1842 ; but, finding that he was not master
of the premises, quitted on 8th August following ; proceeded
to Shortwood, where he remained until 27th May, 1844. He
then became assistant at Formby, near Liverpool, but since
20th October, 1853, has been serving the mission of Howden,
in his native county.
Darbyshire (Dominic), James, O.S.D., took the habit in
the English Convent of the Holy Cross at Bomheim on 1st
January, 1714, set. twenty-four. The Chapter Bolls describe
him as one most deserving of the province, who had filled
various o£Sces with commendation. From his Journal, still
at Ugbrooke, commencing with August, 1726, and ending
with the opening of January, 1757, 1 infer that he was chap-
lain at Standish, and afterwards at Qifford Hall, Suffolk,
before his arrival at Ugbrooke in February, 1735. He was
much liked by the Clifford family, and to their deep regret
was called away to be the sixteenth prior of Bomheim from
1747 to 1750. He was then allowed to return to Ugbrooke,
where he died on Friday, 7th January, 1757, set. sixty-eight,
prof, forty-six, sac. forty-four, and was buried behind
St. Cyprian's chapel there.
Davenport, Christopher, alias Francis Hunt, alias
Franciscus a Sancta Clara, O.S.F. — The life of this eminent
man might fill an octavo volume. He was bom at Coventry,
and reconciled to the true faith whilst a student at Merton
College, Oxford, and shortly after entered the novitiate of
the English Friars at Ipres. At his profession he passed
over to Douay, to assist at the commencement of St. Bona-
venture's Convent in that city.* Before the auspicious
restoration of the English Franciscan province by the letters
patent of the Minister-Gheneral F. Bemardine de Senis, 6th
August, 1629, which created F. John Oennings the first
provincial, he had been appointed guardian of the convent
aforesaid, and made a D.D. by his general. Thrice he was
chosen provincial, as I have shown in his memoir in the
" Rambler'' of August, 1850, pp. 110, 111. At length, this
venerable patriarch of his brethren expired at Somerset House,
London, on Whit-Sunday, 31st May, 1680, let. eighty-two,
• 1 find it was first inhabited on dOth October, 1618.
284 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
and^ according to His wish, was buried in St. John's church,
of the Savoy. In page 118 of the Chapter Book, his loss is
thus recorded : " Reverendus admodum ac Venerabilis in
Christo Pater Frater Franciscus k S. Clar&, faelicis memorise,
tertio Provincise nostrse Minister Provincialis, qui trinis
persolutis Jubilseis, Beligionis, Sacerdotii, et Missionis, se
Fatrem amantissimum et providentissimum suis Fratribus et
Filiis exhibuit usque in finem, eorum necessitatibus in omnibus
abunde occurrens ; se Pastorem vigilantissimum et Operarium
fidelem in Missione Anglican^ per 57 annos prsebuit, factus
omnibus omnia, ita ut principes et pauperes lucraretur;
Urbi et Orbi notus." He is connected with the West by having
lived in Cornwall before the civil wars. — (See Alban Butler's
"Lives of the Saints/' May 17th, St. Maddern.)
Davis, William, born at Usk, educated at Douay. — ^This
primitive and mortified priest, after serving Chepstow, was
sent to the poor mission at Dartmouth in 1805, void by the
resignation of I'Abb^ Verrier. Struggling with poverty and
illness, he quitted it just before his death, which occurred at
Chepstow 30th December, 1814. N.B. Charles Henry
Davis, O.S.B., pastor of Do¥niside from 1844 until he was
consecrated bishop of Maitland, 26th February, 1848, died at
Sydney 17th May, 1854, set. thirty-nine, Rel. twenty-two,
sac. fourteen.
Davison (Beenardinb), John, O.S.F., bom at Catterick,
CO. York, 27th February, 1791. — This humble and zealous
Franciscan, after serving Lea House mission, near Stony-
hurst, was appointed director to the Poor Clares at Plymouth,
on the retirement of the Bev. Bichard Sumner. Here he
continued about four years, when in August, 1820, he was
reinstated at Lea House ; and when that mission was given
up by his body to the bishop of the North, he retired to
Osmotherly (properly Osmundley), a retreat for superannuated
members of the province. — (See note in ^'Bambler^' of
August, 1850, p. 118.) Understanding that the Bev. Edward
Metcalf, the incumbent of Newport, required additional aid
in the ajtluous duties of his mission, he volunteered his gra-
tuitous services to the diocesan. Bishop Brown. On 14th
October, 1841, he commenced his zealous labours. Li a
letter written to me by his bishop, dated 2nd February, 1842,
his lordship thus expresses himself : '' I am greatly distressed
by the death, about half-past four a.m. yesterday, of F, John
Bemardine Davison, at Newport. He caught a typhus fever
from visiting the sick, and is gone, I trust, to receive the
crown of a martyr of charity."
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 285
The following account of him appeared in the oolumns of
the Monmoutkshire Merlin : —
" On Tuesday, the Ist of February, at the house of the
Rev. Edward Metcalfe, the Rev. John Davison, O.S.F., expired,
aged fifty-two. The circumstances attending the demise of
this amiable and zealous minister of the Grospel have caused
very general sympathy and regret throughout the town and
neighbourhood amongst Christians of every mode of faith.
" Mr. Davison, a priest of artless tenderness of heart, pri-
mitive simplicity of manners, and blameless life, had been
recently appointed coadjutor to the Rev. Edward Metcalfe.
He came to this town but three months ago with vigour and
energies that promised to the Catholics of Newport a long
and useful life amongst them. He immediatelv commenced
the onerous duties of his sacred calling in aid of a clergyman
of whom it may be said that his career embraces the circle of
the Christian charities, and whose health is now, we regret to
state, seriously impaired by the labours of his most arduous
missiion. Mr. Davison might be seen at all hours visiting the
cheerless homes of the desolate poor, ' plumbing the depths
of human wretchedness,' administering food to the famishing,
or teaching the best of lessons — ' how to die ! ' During the
present prevalence of poverty and sickness among the poor,
the calls upon the sacred duties of the clergy are imperative
and incessant. On Thursday se'nnight Mr. Davison was sum-
moned to the bedside of a poor man who was sinking in typhus
fever. He promptly attended, though warned of his danger
from the mdignant nature of the disease ; for he felt that the
good shepherd should be ready to give his life for his flock.
He administered to the djring penitent the consolations of
religion, and returned to his humble home, his heart throb-
bing with affliction for the miseries of the poor around him,
but still ardent to benefit his fellow-creatures, and to advance
the honour of his God.
''Alas ! he had caught the distemper of the poor sufferer;
the fever was upon him ; and then came the patient sickness,
the Christian resignation, and the quiet death I all, all of
which are, and long will be, sorrowftdly remembered, only to
add value to the loss — to aggravate regret for what in this
life cannot be recalled. An event like this is surely calculated
to come home to the sensibility and bosoms even of those
whose eyes wander over life — ^whose fancy dances after the
* meteors of happiness kindled by itself.' It is surely calcu-
lated forcibly to draw our attention to the interest of immortal
souls, from the oft and awfully-illustrated fact that ' in the
midst of life we are in death.'
286 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLBROT.
'' Deeply is the lot of this reverend strsBger lamented
amongst those who have known him even for the brief period
that he has been amongst us. The dictates of philosophy,
which will command us to look up with indifference on
abstract things, may dispose to conceal our sorrow, but cannot
assuage it. Real alleviation for the loss of a Christian minister
and friend can only be obtained from the sempiternal source
of all good— from the cheering and glorious promises of Him
in whose hands are life and death, and whose Gk)spel has
' brought life and immortality to light/
''E. DOWLINO."
"On Friday, February 4, the funeral of the late Rev.
John Davison took place at the Catholic Church of St. Mary,
on which occasion the Right Rev. Dr. Brown, Vicar- ApostoUc
of Wales; Dr. Rooker, V.G.; the Rev. Edward Metcalfe;
the Revs. Messrs. Carroll, Keely, Cody, and WooUett, o£Sci-
ated in the solemn and affecting ceremonies usual on such
occasions in the Catholic Church. There was a numerous
congregation assembled, amongst whom we noticed many
members of the Established Church, and several of our Dis-
senting fellow-townsmen, the melancholy circumstances of
poor Mr. Davison's death having very generally excited the
sympathy and regret of the neighbourhood. The Rev. Dr.
Rooker said Mass, and preached a very eloquent sermon on
the occasion from Heb. ix. 27 : 'It is appointed to men once
to die, and after that the judgment.' The discourse was
admirably appropriate, and drew tears from most of those
present."
Dawson, Jamks. — Soon after his ordination he was sent,
in July, 1841, to Shortwood, where he continued thirteen
months, and thence was removed to Courtfield, near Ross.
In 1848 I find him at Merthyr Tydvil. In 1851 he was
stationed at Dowlais, then at Usk ; but since the summer
of 1854, he has been resting at Shepton Mallett. On
the appointment of Dr. English to Clifton Church, in
April, 1856, Mr. Dawson was sent to replace him at Can-
nington.
Day, Samuel, O.S.B., who, in taking the religious habit
in 1806, adopted the name of Bede, was the first pastor of
the Kemerton mission, near Tewkesbury, and opened its
beautiful chapel 18th July, 1843. He left in 1848, and is
now at Felton-pork, Northumberland.
Dempset, William. — ^This young Irish ecclesiastic, after
combating with a feeble and impaired constitution at Upton^
BIOOBAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLE>. 287
near Poole^ was obliged to resign^ and retire to Prior-park
for a time. With difficulty he reached his native country,
where he died in July, 1840.
Dessaux, Romain, an emigrant French priest, who served
MamhuU for some time; then returning to France, died
7th January, 1835, aet. seventy-eight.
DiGBY, Jebome, O.S.B. — On the death of the lamented
Cuthbert Simpson, assistant to F. Pembridge, in 1785, this
good monk came to supply for a time. He afterwards served
the Warrington mission. ^ Retiring to Downside, after some
years, he rested from his labours on 7th April, 1825, set.
eighty-five, rel. sixty-nine, as his epitaph testifies.
Dominic, F., O.S.D. — Of this apostolic man I have treated
largely in the first part, under Woodchester. To the grief
of aU good men, his course was rapidly run out on 27th
August, 1849, 8Bt. fifty-seven. *^ Of him it may be said, he
consumed like incense on the altar, burning bright and
difi^using fragrance, till not a remnant could be seen.''
Dormeb, Bobebt, S.J. — This worthy Jesuit had resided
at Odstock, Stapehill, and Beckford ; but I look in vain for
his period of service in these places. His final destination
was Wappenbury, whence he passed to our Lord 4th May,
1792, in his sixty-seventh year.
Doublet. — ^In 1810 I remember this French abb^, who
had long been resident at Shaftesbury, and had the charge
of the faithful there. The chapel was much larger than I
had expected. He quitted at the restoration of the
Bourbons.
DouBLENs, Louis. — Bcforc the French Revolution, he was
a canon of Arras Cathedral ; at the emigration he took up
his station at Bath, where he was much respected and
esteemed for his integrity and polished manners. At the
request of Bishop CoUingridge, he consented to become
director to the good nuns at Lanheme, where he arrived on
7th September, 1827. There he finished his earthly course
on 30th October, 1839, set. eighty-five, and was buried in
the convent cemetery. The venerable man had never
occasion to wear spectacles.
DowDiNG, Hilary, O.S.B. — This amiable monk of
Ampleforth, since 1832, gave his valuable services to the
Cheltenham mission from 1843 to 1849 ; since which time,
I am informed, he has been settled at Little Crosby, near
Liverpool.
288 BIOaBAPHICAL LIST 07 THB CLERGY.
DuBuissoN. — This abb^ was long a resident at Weymouth,
and had charge of the Catholics there. He quitted in July,
1822, for his native country, where he died, that winter,
aged seventy-six.
DucHEMiN. — In the iSrst part of these gleanings^ page 118,
I stated that this respected French abb^ had the charge of
the Gloucester mission &om January, 1804, until the sum-
mer of 1816. He then returned to lus native country. In
a letter which I received from Caen, bearing date 6th
January, 1845, I read that he died at Bayeux, a model of
the ecclesiastical spirit, about ten years before, — " il y a pen
pres dix ans,'' — probably late in 1836.
Dtjck (Basil), James, O.S.B., bom July 18th, 1813, at
Berwick Hall, co. Northumberland ; professed at Downside,
October 30th, 1831 ; ordained priest, 23rd February, 1839.
After being employed at Whitehaven from February, 1840,
he was appointed to Cheltenham, vice Glassbrooke.^
Dullard (Benedict), James, O.S.B., born in Ireland,
1793, and entered amongst the Augustinians. After serving
Cannington for a time, he felt a vehement desire to enlist
himself under the banner of St. Benedict. His wish was
granted, and he went through his novitiate at Douay with
great fervour and edification, under the prior, now the
bishop of Port Louis, in the Mauritius, Dr. William Bernard
Collier. At present my good friend is attached to St. Bene-
dict's Convent, near Stafford.
DuNscoMBE, Augustine, O.S.B. — ^All that I can collect of
him is, that he was a native of Devon ; was professed at
Lambspring 11th July, 1722, and died in England on 6th
December, 1736.
Duval, Jacques Florin, formerly cure de St. Remi, in
the diocese of Constance. On the death of the Rev. James
Willacey, he succeeded to the direction of the convent at
Canford, and died in that office twelve years later, viz.,
30th March, 1817, aet. fifty-six.
Duval. — This French Lazarite was much esteemed by
Bishop Collingridge. He was the author of the " Letters on
Quakerism.^' For many years he was attached as chaplain
to the French Prison at Stapleton, near Bristol, where he
died 9th March, 1814, aged eighty-four.
* Q. Was not Dom Ambrose Duck his elder brother? This rood
Benedictine was pastor at Downside from 1QS5 to 1837, and finished his
earthlv course at Brislington on 18th September, 1848, ct. fifty-two.
Rel. thirty-three ; sac. twenty-three.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT.
DwTEB^ James, bom in the parish of the Holy Cross,
Thurles, 9th July, 1805 ; he was educated at Carlow^ and
proceeded, in 1826, to the English College at Bome, but
finished his theology at St. Sulpice, at Paris ; he was ordained
by Bishop Baines in 1829. After making the round of the
missions of Poole, Weymouth, and Tawstock, he started for
Ireland to assist his bishop in the organization of the New
College at Thurles, but was soon back again at Tawstock ;
thence he was off to Bangor, then to Poole again, thence to
Talacre ; and after a few more tossings about, he sailed for
the Mauritius with Bishop Collier in June, 1845.
E.
EccLEs, James, S.J., bom 14th October, 1822, at Wigan.
After studying humanities at Stony hurst, he entered the society
7th September, 1839, and was sent to the Jesuits' College at
Tronchiennes, near Ghent, where, with his fellow collegian,
F. Joseph John Bond, already mentioned in this compilation,
he received the higher orders. On his return to England
he filled various offices at Mount St. Mary's, near Chester-
field, and succeeded the writer of these notes, as incumbent of
St. Nicholas, Exeter, on 6th October, 1851.* Proficias—
'' Bene prosperare,'' Ps. 117.
Edgewokth, Francis, O.S.P., born in London 26th April,
1799 ; at an early age took the Franciscan habit ; after his
ordinations, was appointed incumbent at St. Peter's, Bir-
mingham, a situation which he resigned in August, 1824,
* Most cordially I congratulate this mv successor for having accom-
plished the poor school, attached to the cnapel, as mentioned in Part I.
p. 26. For several years, 1 may sav, in justice to myself, I had hired
rooms in four different places for the purpose ; but when a committee
of the congregation applied for the very site of the present school to
erect their building, F. Charles Brooke, then residing in the court, as
well as myself, alleged as reasons for declining the grant, ** the fear of
confining the air, of obstructing the light, of occasioning much noise,
and of bringing the Catholic and the numerous Wesle^ran scholars, at
the very next door, into too much contact and familiarity." On 18th
January, 1846, the committee came to a resolution expressive of regret
at this obstacle to their wishes, ^'trusting that the same originates with
a fear of the Rev. Dr. O. ana the Rev. C. Brooke, that the funds for
such an object would not be forUicoming." The sum of £44. 6s» was
subscribed on promise ; and of this, nearly one fourth was deducted by
death or emigration. But thanks to God, better times came, and the
work has succeeded.
290 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLKBOT,
when Bishop Collingridge placed him at Weymouth, where
he continued until the spring of 1825, when he received direc-
tions to succeed the Bey. John Burke at St. Joseph's Chapel,
Bristol. In Chapter XII. of the first part I have followed
out the rest of his biography, concluding with his sudden
death 16th November, 1850 : B.I.P. But I am anxious to
perpetuate the memory of the decision of mind, the personal
courage, and tender humanity which the reverend gentleman
displayed during the outrageous riots of Bristol in the begin-
ning of November, 1831, and which merited for him a civic
crown. And I cannot do so better, than by republishing
the letter of a dear old friend, Dr. Carpenter, Unitarian
minister, formerly of Exeter, and then a resident in Bristol.
It wiU repay the perusal.*
* A letter respecting the late outrages, inserted in the Bristol
Mercury /—
To the Editor of the Bristol Msrcury,
Monday, Nov. 7, 1831.
Sir, — In Fduc Farl^'*s Bristol Journal^ of Saturday, are inserted
parts of a letter which appeared in the Globe of Thursday last, under
the signature of Publicota^ and dated November the 1st. As Felix
Farley has omitted what appears to me important, I b^ you to do me
the favour of inserting the whole, as it appears in the OMfe, excepting
two or three typographical errors. I place in brackets the parts Felix
Farl^ has omitted, and leave your readers to divine his reasons for
themselves.
** riQ your journal of Saturday night you say, * There are two things
which must strike all observers — ^by how small a band of persons a
formidable riot may be made in a town ; and again, how vast are the
crowds in England who have every temptation to make riots, from their
own poverty, and the want of any organized force to oppose them.' I read
the passage yesterday, after having witnessed the trutn of it in the late
horrid outrages, particularly of Sunday afternoon and night. I think
the riot of Saturday greatly the result of political exacerbation directly
personal to Sir Charles Wetherell, though much aided by the purposes
of the public depredators who have been training in the streets ot Bristol
for the last six or eight years. There was no disorder when the 199
threw out the Bill ; and there would have been none if Sir Charles
Wetherell had stayed away. He ou^ht to have resigned his post as judge,
when he chose that of a violent political partizan« But] the aggressions
on Sunday morning, beginning soon after seven at the Mansion-house,
were for plunder ; and the consumption of intoxicating liquors there,
the perfect unrestrainedness with which for a time the mob went on,
and afterwards (between ten and eleven) the firing of the Blues in
College-green, and tbeir subsequent removal from the city, gave the
next stage the character of power and vengeance. [About half-past one
the worst began ; and the character of the mob was much changed.
They were now the mob of destruction, ¥rithout personality.] There
was a method in their proceedings, which showed men practised^ in
villany and violence ; and a compactness in their movements, which
proved that they were under leaders. The mob that committed the
mhseqnent outrages was never laige altogether ; and in its parties, as at
BIOOKAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBB07. 291
Edisvobd,- JoHN^ S.J., whose real name was Swabrick,
bom in Lancashire Ist February, 1788 ; joined the society in
1760; deven years later I find him chaplain to the Hon.*
Mr. Arondell, at Salisbury. Soon after he removed to
the Bishop's-palacOy it was a small number that did the mischief.
When the greatest outrages began, and tlie city was in truth surrendered
to them, the outside number was from fire to six hundred. I saw them
myself, soon after two on Sunday, coming down Clare-street (our prin-
cipal street) just after they had broken open the Bridewell, and then on
their way to the jail. They had bludgeons generally ; and some had
axes^ iron palisades (from the Mansion-house probably), and sledge-
hammers. All that 1 noticed were the dregs of the city ; and a la^
part were under twenty years of age. Proceeding as they now did,
without the slightest opposition, they went on in the work of destruction
(still principaUy of pumic property) ; but others pillaging in the line of
Queen-square from the Mayoralty, till about ten, I think, the Custom-
house (about ten houses from it) was on fire ; and from that period the
reckless destruction of private pro]>erty (ending in the complete burning
of two sides of the square, which is about 560 feet each way), and the
wildness of the plunder, were horrid and infamous in the extreme. It
is my deliberate conviction, that a firm, prompt, and vigorous magis-
tracy miffht, in the early part of Sunday morning, by requiring (as
yesterday) the constabulary aid of the inhabitants, have suppressed the
riot ; and that even when ue mob had become inflamed by mastership
and liquor, eighty or a hundred regular soldiers, or four times that
number of resolute and partially armed citizens, might have prevented
all that folUowed. But all was helpless and hopeless."
I have nothing to correct in the forgoing, except that the sledge-
hammers with which the jail was broken open were got from a neigh-
bouring manufactory, and were all returned except two ; and nothing
to add, in this connection, but that the attack of the populace on the
Blues OB Sunday morning seems to have been much owing to the
melancholy event the preceding midnight, when a man was sabred who
was in no wav ooncemed in the riot at the Council House, though he
certainly ought not to have been in the streets. But I proceed to other
objects.
it was with sentiments of deep indignation that I read the commence-
ment of FeUx Fa/rU^i leading article on Saturday last, with its com-
mentary in a letter signed ^ M." in the second page of the same, inserted
on the responsibility of the acting editor, proceed from whatever quarter
it may. Many of your readers may not nave seen the passages in the
BfisM Journal to which I refer ; and I here offer them to their perusal.
When thev have given it, I expect that they will share in my ** senti-
ments of deep indignation."
The leading article of Felix Farl^ thus begins : —
** THB THRSB DAYS OF BRISTOL ! !
** It was on the 0th day of September last year that Charles Pinney,
Esq., presided at a public meeting of some of the inhabitants of tms
city, held in the GuUdhall, called for the purpose of eonmtulating the
French nation upon their Revolution, and the events of &b Three Dajrs
of July ! ! Strange fatality ! ! — ^that the same gentleman should, in his
capacity as Mayor of Bristol, within little more than a twelvemonth
aiierwiurdsy have to witness the first act of the tragedy of Reform, if not
u 2
292 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBGT.
Exeter, where he cultivated the vineyard with exemplary
zeal and charity, and made himself much respected by his
natural bonhommie and frankness. His death was occa-
of Revolation, which has been since commenced in his own country 1 1
With what deeds of incendiarism and outrage, characterized by pusil*
lanimity and folly, if not sanctioned and provoked bv some branc&es of
the constituted authorities of the realm, tliis tragedy nas been perform-
ing in Bristol, must and can be only publicly known and authenticated
when those forms of legal inquiry have been gone into, which it is the
duty of his Majesty's ministers without an bourns delay to institute."
This is in the third page : the commentary is in the second, and in
about the same sized type ; it caught my eye before the leading article.
It is as follows : —
** THS TRREB DATS.
^ To the Editor of the Bristol Journal
** Sir, — ^Permit me to congratulate those of your fellow-ciUzens who
met last year, and passed resolutions expressive of their admiration of
the conduct of the Parisian mob during the celebrated * Three Days»*
and which they transmitted by a deputation to the French capitaL
Permit me to congratulate those gentlemen that they have had their
* Three Days,' promoted and brought about, I firmly believe, by their
conduct and that of their party here and elsewhere, on that and other
occasions.**
In that solemn investigation which all demand, and which ought to
be searching, comprehensive, and complete, let the censure of occasion-
ing or of not restraining the riots of Saturday, and the horrid outrages
of Sunday and of Monday morning, rest wherever truth requizes, and
in the degree it requires ; but those who know Mr. Pinney will not,
whatever may prove to be his just share^ forget his known humanity
an^ I doubt not^ religions conscientiousness ; nor the extraordinary
position in which he, wnose liberal sentiments are on record, stood, as
associated with a magistracy whose views were, on almost all the great
topics of the times, diametrically opposite to his own. But the very
circumstance that such an investigation is called for by all parties, and
must be institnted, ought to have prevented the exasperating imputa-
tions of FeHs Farley and his coadjutor ** M."
If these lines should reach the eye of Mr. Pinney, let them tell him
that he need not agmvate his present emotions by reflecting on him-
self for the honounble share he took in the most honourable meeting I
ever witnessed in Bristol— eminently marked as it was by order, by
elevated sentiments, by the eloquence of truth and of hope for human
welfare, and by the noblest kind of enthusiasm ; that it may be confi-
dently affirmea that not one who took part in that meeting, by speaking
or by voting, will be fotmd to have haa any share in the riots ot Satur-
day ; that nothing which passed there had a tendency to produce a
spirit of riot and of outrage ; that neither in respect to its speakers, nor to
its proceedings, nor to its spirit, nor to its tendency, had it the remotest
connection with the recent erils ; and (what may outweigh all the
imputations of those who haw scattered firebrands) that to that meeting,
and other similar expresrions of the people of England, may be mainly
attributed that confidence on the part of the king of France, and the
leading men of that country, in the kindly disposition of the English
nation towards them, which has so powerfully aided the wise and tern-
< BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 298
sioned by datching the jail fever in 'his attendance on the
prisoners in the Old Jail^ near the Castle of Exeter^ on
Saturday, 20th November, 1789. In examining the parish
perate course of Lord Grey and his coadjutors in their efforts to preserve
peace between the two greatest nations in Europe. To such meetings
mav be greatly attributed the jojrful fact that we are now at peace and
in nienaship with France, and with her aid have prevented all Europe
from being again involved in the horrors of war.
I might have written the foregoing even if Felix Farley , as editor, and
as responsible for ^ M.** had stopped here ; but to ** M^'s" charge on those
frienos of liberty and humanity who met to express their sentiments on
the French Revolution — (I am happy that I was myself at my post)—
that they have had their <* Three Days," promoted and brought about
by their conduct, &c., is appended a postscript, marked by oase and
calumnious insinuation, ana (in the circumstances of the case) by deep
malignity ; the more aggravated in its character, because the humane
and honourable individual to whom it alludes is so noted in it, that there
is no room to doubt who is meant, but with that degree of caution which
Erevents the legal chastisement that either ** M." or FeUxFarl^ would
ave incurred. The postscript is as follows :—
*^ P.S. I have not time to add some particulars of the conduct of — «
. and of an Irish priest of the name of ■ , on this melanchoy
occasion, in front of the Mansion House and elsewhere, but shidl hold
them in reserve to be communicated, if not done by some other hand."
There are but two Catholic priests in Bristol ; one of them is but
recently come to reside here ; the other is well known, and by all who
know him r^arded as a gentleman of true respectability. Neither of
them is an Irishman ; but one (with a name of Irish associations) waa^
during the fatal afternoon, and during a larger part of the horrid nighL
much in front of the Mansion House and cJaewhere, sometimes attended
by his colleague, but in part alone, — ^private duties requiring the attend-
ance of one, and the one most and longest known beine likely to be most
usefiil. This individual's name is uie Rev. Francis Edgeworth. I
honoured him before ; but for his conduct during that period which
succeeded the new and decided stage of die outrages on Sunday — ^the
attack on the Bridewell— I honour him still more highly. It was marked
by judgment, by promptness, by personal courage, by humanitv, and by
moral nrmness. If four or five men could have come forward with the
ofier which he made at three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, a force would
have been at the magistrates' command sufficient to repel the outrages ;
for he and his colleague pledged themselves to them to find immediately
two hundred able and steady men. He was indeed ** much in front of
the Mansion House and elsewhere ;" for he was in the scenes of devas-
tation from eight on Sunday evening till half-past Uiree on Monday
morning. During that period he was engaged in endeavouring (as
opportunity jpresented) to check the progress of depredation, and in pre-
vailing on aU he knew to desist firom &kinff that which they pleaded
would otherwise be soon destroyed. Wlien he saw reason to uink that
the Custom House would be attacked, he obtained admission from the
Kin^-street side, and told one of iiie official gentlemen that his presence
would prevent any of the poor Irish from assaulting the premises, and
offered that negative assistance. His presence and assistance were
tliankfully received, and he continued below for about three quarters of
an hour, till few remained belonging to the place, and in less than a
294 mOORAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLSBOY.
register of St. Olave's Chureh^ in which he was buried^ I find
'' Rev. John Edisford, minister of the Catholics in this inty,
was buried on the 24th of Noyember^ 1789/'
Ellis, Philip Michael, O.S.B., Bight Rev. — ^This third
son of Rev. John Ellis, rector of Waddesden, Bucks, by his
wife Susannah Welbore, whilst a pupil at Westminster
School, was called to the Catholic faith and to the grace of
religion in St. Gregory's Convent, Douay, where he was pro«
fessed 30th Novemoer, 1670, let. eighteen.
quarter of an hour witnessed the asBSult of the mob, followed by the
speedy destruction of the building. ** Before I Quitted the square,** he
says, in a letter with which, at my request^ he has favoured me, ^ I looked
on all sides for any of the poor Irish. I saw none of them but as spec*
tators. Those 1 earnestly, and I believe suooessfully, exhorted to return
to their homes. But now spirits and wine were the object of fierce con-
test in various parts of the square. I had no hope that my presence
could avail any longer. Several gentlemen had been struck and robbed."
I pass by other particulars, but must add one extract which gives a
touching picture of the true Christian pastor. I belong not to Mr. Edge-
worth's communion ; but I believe that the Church of Christ exists
amonff all denominations ; and of that Church he is one : —
" The Monday I spent mostly, as did my friend Mr. O. F." (the Rev.
O. Farrell, his colleague), ^ in visiting all the streets and lanes with
which we are well acquainted, and in almost every house and every
room, eaq>laining to the poor creatures the danger of even standinjg at
their doors, much more of Quitting their homes, during the coming night.
We warned them, too, of uie crime of keeping any part of the plunder ;
and, as we knew they had been induced to receive it, we urged them to
place it wherever the mayor should direct Some few did this ; many
did not, or at least hesitated, until the active force of constables, of Mon-
day afternoon's formation, surprised them in the possession of stolen
property, and left no time for voluntary restitution.*^
Many, I doubt not, in the horrid night of Sunday, showed the noble
qualities which marked the conduct of Mr. Edgeworth ; I shall rejoice
to hear that some surpassed him in the efforts for useful service. If
^* M." has a mind capable of generous feeling, I have heaped coals of
fire on his head.
As to y the other person darkly hinted at in the postscript,
if by this is designated one of tnose to whom ** M.'s " letter refers, and
who also, at intervals^ was much in the neighbourhood of the Mansion
House between seven on Saturday evening and half-past three on Sun-
day afternoon, I have the power of staUng, in his benalf, that whatever
he did during the late melancholy period was in the discharge of public
or private duty ; that for the latter he had, about three, the thanks of
magistrates in their room at Guildhall ; and that he has the great satis-
faction, in the review of his course since the Three Days of Paris (and he
mav say of his public course generally), of perceiving that every step
he has taken has been designed, and (as he believes) has tended, to pro-
mote the good order, the improvement, and the general welfare of society ;
and that there is not one which, in similar circumstances, he would not
readily take again. Publioola.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOT. 296
The editor of the Ellis Correspondence, vol. i. p. 18,
ignorantly asserts that '' Philip was kidnapped by the Jesuits,
and brought up by them in the Roman Catholic religion in
their College of St. Omer.'' After dul^ qualifying himself
for the ministry, he was sent to labour in the English vine-
yard. His abilities recommended him to the notice of King
James II., who appointed him one of his chaplains and
preachers. Six of his sermons, the first delivered at Windsor,
the rest at St. James's, were printed. When Pope Innocent
XI., on 30th January, 1688, requested that his Majesty
would nominate three fit subjects to fill the newly-constituted
Yicariats, the Western Midland and Northern (for the
Southern or Eastern was to be reserved for Bishop Ley-
bourne, bishop of Adrumetum, formerly president of Douay
Coll^e,*^ and who for the last three years had governed the
whole of England), Dom Ellis, then aged thirty-six, was
selected for the Western Yicariat, and was consecrated
bishop on Sunday 6th May, 1688, at St. James's (where the
king had founded a convent of fourteen Benedictine monks)
by the title of Aureliopolis. In the second week of July the
new prelate confirmed a considerable number of youths, some
of them were converts, in the new chapel of the Savoy. In
his lordship's letter to his eldest brother, John,t dated firom
St. James's 26th August, 1688, he describes the uneasiness
of the court at the preparations making in Holland by
William Prince of Orange (Ellis Correspondence, vol. ii.
p. 145). I doubt if this Vicar Apostolic ventured to visit
his diocese. At the eruption of the Revolution in November
that year, he was arrested and committed to Newgate; but
was soon restored to liberty. Foreseeing little prospect of
serving the cause of religion in such turbulent times, he left
England for St. Germain's, and after staying some time at
the court of his exiled sovereign, obtained permission to visit
* On hiB arrival in London, the king provided him with suitable
apartments in Whitehall, with a pension of j£l,000. Mr. Macanlay
(Hist. England, vol. ii, p. 21) will bave it that Bishop Ley bourne was
A Dominican/ Obiit 1703, est. eighty-three.
t This John became Under-SecreUry of State to King William III.,
and died s^. in London in 1738, »t. ninety-three. The second brother,
Sir William Ellis, Knight, was Secretary of State to his exiled sove-
reign, and died at Rome in 173i, also without issue. The younger
brother to Philip, viz. Welbore Ellis, was made Bishop of Killala in
1705, and translated to the valuable See of Meath in 1731 ; he died in
January, 173i, leaving a family ennobled with the titles of Mendip,
Clifden, and Dover. The next brother, Samuel, was marshal of the
King's Bench ; and Charles^ the youngest brother, took orders in the
Established Church.
296 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT.
the eternal city. In 1693 Pope Innocent XII. made him an
assistant prelate to the throne : and six years later, says
Weldon, " on the feast of St. Louis^ he snng the High Mass
in the French church at Rome before many cardinals, invited
and received by the Cardinal de Bouillon. The prince of
Monaco, ambassador of France, being then incognito^ assisted
in a tribune." Resigning his Western Vicariat,* his Holi-
ness Clement XI. prdTerred him to the vacant see of Segni
in Campagna di Roma in 1708. There he founded a semi-
nary, over which he watched with parental zeal and solicitude.
In November, 1710, he held a synod in the choir of his
cathedral^ which was hung with i^ed silk for the occasion ;
about seventy of his clergy attended, all of whom he enter-
tained with generous hospitality. The acts of this synod
were much approved of, and were ordered to be printed and
published by the above-mentioned Pope. In addition to many
meritorious deeds, he substantially repaired and embellished
his episcopal palace; to his cathedral he left a splendid
mitre and some costly vestments ; but the bulk of Ins pro-
perty he bequeathed to his beloved seminary. A dropsy of
the chest carried him off on 16th November, 1726, set.
seventy-four, and his honoured remains were deposited in the
centre of the Seminary Church. Pope Leo XII. kindly
gave Bishop Ellis's library and ring to Bishop Baines for the
use of his successors in the Western District. I must
refer the reader to the Rambler of April 1851, p. 351, for an
account of the sermons of this eminent divine.
A beautiful portrait of the bishop, engraved by Meyer, is
prefixed to ** the EUis Correspondence,'* edited by the Hon.
George Agar Ellis, in two vols, octavo, 1829.
Elmer, Jocelin, O.S.B., a native, I understand, of the West
of England, although I cannot discover the precise locality,
was elected prior of St. Laurence's Convent at Dieulwart,
near Verdun, in the diocese of Toul and Province of Lorraine,
at the first general chapter holden at St. Andrew's House,
Paris, Ist June, 1617; and his system of government gave
such satisfaction, that he was re-elected on 2nd July, 1629,
for twelve consecutive years. According to Weldon, he died
* I have seen in a M.S., written more than a century ago, that when
the bishop quitted England, and could not presently return, he applied
for a coaoiutor to act for him until his majesty's restoration, which it
was hoped would be no distant event. He was told either to retam to
the Western Vicariat or resign. He preferred the latter. After some years
Dr. Andrew GifFard was selected by the title of Bishop of Centuric, but
declined, on the plea of old age. Obiit 14th September, 1714 ; buried at
St. Pancras.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 297
on Ist July, 1651, "famous for his holy and severe life, by
which he gave great edification everywhere/'
English, Ferdinand Edward, D.D., son of John English,
of Bath, Esq., by his wife Frances {n£e Huddleston), born
9th June, 1819 ; went to Eome at the age of twenty ; was
made D.D. in August, 1843, and in December the same year
was ordained priest, and appointed vice-rector of the English
College under Dr. Baggs. In 1846 he revisited England for
some months; and soon after his return went on a mission
to Malta. In 1848 he finally left Bome on account of his
health, and was appointed by Bishop Ullathome to the mis-
sion of Cannington. In 1850 his present Holiness conferred
upon him the distinction of Cameriere di onore; and in 1852
he was installed a canon of Clifton CathedraL But his
honours cannot stop here.
English, Lewis Bernard, D.D., a brother worthy of the
preceding ; bom in 1826. At the age of nineteen he went
to the English College at Rome, and five years later, in 1850,
was ordained priest; and received the doctor's cap and the
appointment of vice-rector of the college under Dr. Grant,
now bishop of Southwark. In 1852 his Holiness placed him
at the head of the Collegio Pio at Rome, which, though a
distinct establishment from the Old English College, having
its own superior and different regulations, is for greater
convenience brought under the same roof. Crescat in mille
millia !
Errington, George, Most Rev., bom at Clintz, near
Richmond, in Yorkshire, about the Feast of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, in September, 1804; was educated at
Ushaw, and formed one of the colony of students to open
the Old English College at Rome in 1818, which Pope
Pius YII., in his zeal for religion, had made over to the
secular clergy. Since that era, it is wonderful to enumerate
the host of leamed, saintly, and efficient ecclesiastics that
have issued from its inclosure. Amongst the most honoured
names, is the subject of this memoir. Distinguished by
virtue and erudition, after receiving the priesthood and the
degree of D.D., he returned to his native country. For some
time he presided over the studies in St. Mary's College,
Oscott; then St. Nicholas's Chapel, Liverpool, had the
benefit of his pastoral zeal ; but here his stay was short, for
his services were required at Salford, where he completed
and opened the noble Church of St. John, which stands an
eternal monument of his taste and piety. When the
298 BIOOAAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLSSGY.
Uerarchy was established for England at Michaelmas^ 1850,
the energetic Br. Errington was thought the fittest to reTive
and revigorate the poverty-stricken and 'forlorn condition
of the faithful dispersed over Dorset, Devon^ and Corn-
wall, which was assigned for the diocese of Plymouth. He
saw nothing but labour before him; but he knew it was
the work of God^ and he cheerfully submitted to the labour
of the yoke and burden. On the 25th July, 1851, he was
consecrated bishop of Plymouth, in his Church of St. John,
by Cardinal Wiseman, together with his old college friend.
Dr. William Turner, who fortunately, as bishop of Salford,
found a cathedral church already prepared for him. Our
new prelate hastened to his diocese. It was amusing to see
in our provincial journals what rumours were rife against
him, — tiiat a protest was to be handed to him against his
" assumption '' of the title, — that the parsons were on the
qui vive, — that a regular, formal, and defiant challenge
would be given, when he came to discuss his principles, &c.
(See Devonport Journal 7th August, 1851, &c.) But this
bubble of excitement soon burst, and John Bull awoke from
his dream about '^ Papal aggression,^' and recovered his
good-humour.
On reaching his diocese in August, the good biahop, at the
invitation of the late lamented Edmund P. R. Bastard, Esq.,
took up his residence at Kitley until October, when he fixed
himself at St. Mary's, Stonehouse, and won the respect of
the public by his affability, business-like habits, self-denying
character, and unobtrusive conduct. He was indefatigable
in visiting every part of his diocese, in attending the confer-
ences of the clergy, and the meetings of his chapter. In
1852 he gave a spiritual retreat to his clergy at Ugbrooke,
and there also held a synod on 14th, 15th, and 16th
February, 1854. It is true to say that he infused a new
spirit in his diocese ; and I may apply to him the words of
Job (chapter iv.), ^'Ecce, docuisti multos, et manus lassas
roborasti ; vacillantes confirmaverunt sermones tui, et genua
trementia confortasti.''
Cardinal Wiseman, archbishop of Westminster, requiring
a coadjutor, obtained of Pope Pius IX., that Dr. Errington
might be his associate. The necessary bulls, creating his lord-
ship archbishop of Trebizonde, bear date 30th March, 1855.
In consequence of the vacancy in the see of Clifton by
the death of Bishop Burgess, 27th November, 1854, his
Grace has been filling for some time the additional office of
Apostolic Administ^ttor of that diocese also. To use the
words of the old registrar of St. Alban's Abbey : " Tibi
BIOOBAFHICAL LIST OF THB CLBROT. 299
igitnr ea sit meroes^ quee dari solet illis^ qui ad honorem
Ecclesiffi laudabiliter student opera in temporibus snia"
'^Facilis minimorum heec vota dientum suscipe. Dent
longse superi tibi tempora vits canitiemque sacram et plenos
virtutibus annos/'
Fairfax, Thomas, S.J. — ^This experienced priest and
eminent oriental scholar, often passed by the name of
Beckett ; he was appointed, in the reign of James II., to a
Professorship in Magdalen College, O^ord ; but amidst the
fanatical violence of the Revolution, narrowly escaped with
his life. In 1 701 he was living as procurator in London.
In 1710, I believe, he was residing at Wardour. In the
Annual Letters of that year I read, " eminet zelo et fructu
inter alios P. Thomas Fairfax.^' I meet him there again,
4th April, 1711, when Bishop Bonaventure Giffard, of
London (who had the charge of the Western District also,
from the resignation of Bishop Ellis imtil the appointment
of Bishop Prichard), visited Wardour. He is mentioned by
the late Dr. Kirk in vol. ii. of the " Catholicon," p. 131.
His death occurred on 2nd March, 1816, aged sixty.
Falkener, John, S.J., of Dorsetshire. — This learned
missioner was banished the realm in 1618, but returned to
his apostolic labours, and resigned his soul to God on 7th
July, 1656, set. eighty-three, soc. fifty-two. I have described
his works in page 88 of the Collectanea S.J.
Fanning, John. — ^This able and zealous ecclesiastic was
bom near Thurles, co. Tipperary, on 10th November,
1805. After completing a course of humanities and philo-
sophy in his native country, he proceeded to Prior-park,
14th September, 1836, to pursue his theological studies, and
there was promoted to holy orders.
His first mission was Taunton, on which he entered,
Saturday, 16th October, 1841. Under his charge his fiock
considerably increased in number and merit. To oblige his
Right Rev. friend. Bishop Hendren, he consented to sepa-
rate himself from his attached congregation, and to expose
himself as a forlorn hope to recover the misapplied funds of
the well-founded but impoverished mission of Tiverton.
Here he displayed his characteristic tact and energy, from
the Advent of 1848 to the Advent of 1850, when he was
allowed to return to the scene of his first labours, to the
delight of his numerous acquaintance. But trials now
800 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
awaited him with the appointment of the new bishop^
Dr. Burgess^ who made a demand of £85 from the salary of
Taunton^ the interest of moneys supposed to have been
advanced by Bishop Collingridge to the place some twenty
years before Mr. Fanning^'s appointment to it. To such a
deduction Mr. Fanning veiy properly demurred. The bishop
then offered him an exeat into the Midland or Birmingham
diocese^ but not into the Plymouth. Finding that he could
not remain with any comfort where he was^ and that
Dr. UUathome, who, whilst Vicar Apostolic of the Western
District, before his promotion to the see of Birmingham, had
always befriended him, and now offered to receive him, he
bade adieu to his beloved flock on Sexagesima Sunday,
30th January, 1858. His sorrowing congregation, on this
parting, presented him with a purse of sovereigns and the
following address.
" We, the undersigned, have heard with grief and dismay
that you are to be separated from us. Since you became
our pastor^ on 16th October, 1841, you have been all to all,
— enlightening, counselling, edifying, and consoling us. The
prospects of religion have wonderfully brightened here; for
you have conciliated the good opinion of our brethren, of
every creed and party, by the urbanity of your manners,
and the benevolence of your character. We had hoped
that you would have been spared to us for many years to
come ; and our only consolation is, that you will be received
with open arms in another diocese. Though absent, you
will ever live in our hearts and memories.
" Be pleased, reverend father, to accept the accompanying
tribute of our gratitude ; and be assured, that our prayers
shall never cease for your prosperity. You will leave us
your cherished blessing, and we feel confident that you will
be mindful of us, your now sorrowful and very attached
children in Jesus Christ, when you stand at His holy altar.
" Taunton, 30th January, 1858.'*
My reverend Mend was immediately appointed to the
vacant mission of Chipping Norton, co. Oxford; but his
good bishop, on 80th June, the same year (1858), transferred
him to the important station at Wolverhampton, co. Staf*
ford, where hQ opened, on Ist May, 1855, the noble Church
of SS. Mary and John, with unprecedented solemnity, and
where he continues to labour with apostolic zeal and success,
especially amongst the poor representatives of Jesus Christ.
Farmer, alias Yenner, Amandus, O.S.B. — ^AU that I
can glean of this good monk of Dieulwart Convent is from
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 801
Weldon's Notes^ p. 138^ to the effect that he was a native of
DevoBi a sedulous missioner^ and a great sufferer in long im-
prisonments and other persecutions patiently endured for the
faith, and that he died in London 10th November, O.S., 1628.
Fenn, John, bom at Montacute, co. Somerset; quitted
England soon after the accession of Queen Elizabeth, and
for forty years was chaplain to the English Augustinian Nuns
at Louvain. Full of days and merits, he ce^ed to live on
27th December, 1615.
Fbnn, James, brother of John aforesaid, a priest of pro-
found wisdom and piety, and a special lover of holy poverty.
He cultivated the vineyard chiefly in his native county,
where he reconciled several persons of distinction to the
Catholic Church. F. Warforid assures us that ''he was
apprehended in the public road near the house of a Catholic
gentleman, named Oiles Bernard, who suffered much perse-
cution on that account. This house was near Sydney House,
Lqpdon.'' He was butchered at Tyburn 12th February,
1584. See Challoner's Memoirs.
Fenn, Robert, brother to the two preceeding worthies, of
Douay College, that storehouse of learned and pious champions
of orthodoxy. Dr. Bridgewater in the " Concertatio," re-
cords how constantly he had endured imprisonment, torture,
and banishment in testimony of the truth.
Ferousson, Thomas Tierney, D.D., born of a good family
17th November, 1818. He was destined for the army — ^was
duly appointed to a regiment serving in the East-Indies, and
actually reached Calcutta to join it, when his elder brother,
an officer in the same, was carried off by death. The shock
of losing him at such a moment caused him to throw up
his commission, which, by dint of family influence, was
given to his younger brother, William, who also died of
fever six weeks after joining the regiment. The subject of
this memoir proceeded to Sidney with the intention of
returning to his family; but being introduced into some
Catholic society, studied our doctrines, and was reconciled
to the Church in the course of the year 1888. Repair-
ing to Rome he was, at his earnest request, admitted a
student in the College of the Propaganda. By his ecclesias-
tical fervor of spirit and assiduity in study, he won the
esteem of his rector, F. Grassi, and of Cardinal Fransoni,
who promoted him to subdeaconship, on Tuesday 19th March,
1844, in the College Church ; to the rank of deacon at St.
John Lateran's on Saturday 23rd March the same year; and
802 BIOGRAPB1CAL LIST OF THS CLSEGT.
to the priesthood, two days later, by Bishop Baggs; and the
friendly oardinal, as a mark of his special approbation, re-
quired that he should receive the ring and cap of D.D. before
he quitted the college. He had proposed to return to Sidney
to difiFiise the light of faith, which there had first beamed on
his soul; but the cardinal advised him to accompany to
England Dr. Baggs, who had been appointed to the charge of
the Western Vicariat, vacant since the death of Bishop Baines.
He reached Prior-park with his lordship on 80th May, 1844,
After remaining there for some time, the bishop sent him for
three months to Shortwood , and thence to Tawstock, where
he arrived on 6th October, 1844. Here he introduced vocal
and instrumental music, and incr^ised his congregation by
his zeal, and won the esteem of the neighbourhood by his
polished address. But his letters to me and others showed
that he was dissatisfied and uneomfbrtabJe and unhappy.
He quitted in disgust during the Christmas holidays of 1845.
Proceeding to London, he accepted the situation oif secretary
to the Catholic Association, and when that was broken jip, ,
took charge of the small congregation at Fairford, co.
Gloucester. He was then ofifered the incumbency of the
Fulham mission, the church of which, under the patronage of
St. Thomas of Canterbury, had been commenced by his
relative, Mrs. Bowden. Bishop Griffiths laid its first stone
on 16th June, 1847, and it was opened on 80th May, 1848.
And there my amiable friend is happy in his laborious
duties.
** Sems in codlmn redeas ; diuque Ictus intersb.''
Since writing the above, I regret to find that Dr. Fergusson
has been compelled to resign his mission, in consequence of
ill-health, on Bth October, 1856.
FERaALL,(y, Patrick, O.S.F., son of Patrick''^ and Margaret
O'Ferrall, born in Bristol 2l8t November, 1796, and bap-
tized on 23rd December by F. Robert Plowden ; in early life
joined the holy order of St. Francis, and eventually became
president of the academy at Baddesley Green, between Bir-
mingham and Warwick, which had been kept up by his
province for about a century. This having been dissolved in
1829, Bishop Baines gladly availed himself of the services of
this able and worthy son of St. Francis, and on 24th De«
oember, 1830, attached him to St. Joseph^s Chapel, in his
• From the Register of Baptisms at St. Joseph's, Bristol, '* 1706,
21 Nov., medio post pomeridisnum, natns Patricius filius, Patricii et
Margarita Farrel. Baptixatus 23. Susceperunt Patricias Dillon et
Maria Lee."
BIOOBAPHICAL LIST 09 THB CLBROT. 808
native city. Here lie laboured with the seal of an apostle.
On disoovering that the noble religious edifice in the open
part of the Qqslj, in Bristol^ erected at the expense of
£15^000, measuring 90 feet in lengthy 42 in breadth^ with a
transept of 70 feet^ and opened but in 1840^ was to be sold
for £5^000 in 1843; that the purchaser would have to pay
£500 on the 1st of June that year, and on Ist of September
£2^000, the rest to remain in mortgage; considering that
such an acquisition would be honourable to the Catholie
name^ and highly calculated to promote the spiritual welfare
of innumerable souls, he boldly bid for it, and won the
prize. It seemed already prepared for Catholic worship;
and on 5th of July the same year this beautiful church, built
by the Irvingites, forsooth " for all the members of the one
holy, catholic, apostolic Church,'' its title being changed for
St. Mary's, was solemnly dedicated by Bishop Baines on 5th
tTuly, 1843. It was the last public effort of that eminent
prelate, for he was found a corpse the very next morning.
Most properly F. O'Ferrall was installed the first rector of
St. Mary's, and I cordiaUy hope that one so deserving of
religion, and who requires an assistant in his extensive
mission, will meet the generous support of the public.
FiTz- James, Nicholas, O.S.B., bom at Kedlinch, co.
Somerset ; professed on 15th May, 1608, and for some years
filled the office of Master of Novices. The venerable man,
at the age of ninety-two, died at Stourton, Wilts, on 16th
May, 1652.
Fisher, Chables. — In page 44 of Fart I. I have spoken
oL this talented and wayward priest. He was born at
Teignmouth, 26th November, 1806, and was the only son of
Captain Fisher, by his wife. Miss Braham. This captain's
widow subsequently married Joseph Garrow, of the Brad-
dons, Torquay, Esq. After a preparatory education at the
Charter-House, Charles was sent to St. John's College,
Cambridge, with the view of becoming a minister of the
Established Church. As he told me himself, doubts of the
truth of Protestantism here grew upon him in 1827 ; he
discovered amongst Catholics, he believed, a manifest supe^
riority in probity and integrity of morals, and aware that
Christ's Church was to be recognized by its firuits, he
hastened to join the Catholic communion. Proceeding to
Prior-park, then recently opened, he commenced a course of
ecclesiastical studies to qualify himself for holy orders.
Knowing, as I did, his impetuosity and excitability of tern*
perament, I thought it a duty to caution Bishop Baines
804 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THC CLBRGT.
against too easily admitting him to the subdiaconate ; he
acquiesced in my opinion : and sure enough he broke off from
this bishop^ quitted Prior-park abruptly^ and repaired to
St. Edmund's College. There he conducted himself, how-
ever, with so much propriety, that he gained the good
graces of Bishop Bramston, who ordained him subdeacon in
the Advent of 1831. Soon after this, he sought a reconcilia-
tion with Bishop Baines, and, having obtained it, returned
to Prior-park, and showed such excellent dispositions, that
his Lordship, in the Advent of 1832, made him deacon, and
on Saturday in Pentecost week, 1st June, 1833, promoted
him to priesthood. The good bishop, on the following
Monday, 3rd June, wrote to me as follows : " I trust he will
turn out well. He will not be allowed to go out for a
considerable time, his divinity, &c., being unfinished.'' But
he was unfortunately allowed almost immediately to go on
the Talacre mission, whence he was recalled to the college
for his eccentricities; then he was transferred, in the middle
of November, 1833, to Chepstow, where he did remain until
30th June, 1834; and then he was hurried to Axminster,
17th July next ensuing. Within three months he got
permission to quit for Lyme, where he laid the foundation-
stone of the present Church of SS. George and Michael, on
23rd April, 1835. With his characteristic restlessness, he
was off to Poole soon after the foimdations appeared above
ground. Thence he made a tour to the Continent, and
during his stay at Bome was made a prelate by Pope
Gregory XVI., 27th January, 1837; but the title of
Monsignore expired with his Holiness in 1846. Returning
to England, this clever but wayward priest was employed at
Torquay, at Chepstow again, at Leamington, at Aldenham
HaU; but for the last four or five years of his life remained
unemployed, and from Ascension Day, 1851, was not per-
mitted to celebrate Mass even in private. By the death of
his mother and sister he had succeeded to a sufficient main-
tenance for any reasonable ecclesiastic ; but he was naturally
extravagant ; and fomenting the secret passion, after many
warnings, and in spite of bitter remorse of conscience,
suffered the shipwreck of faith, and went over to the Pro-
testant Church at Lyme on 29th February, 1852. His child,
by his cook, he baptized himself; fortunately, the infant,
dying very soon after the ceremony, was translated into
paradise.
My unhappy and most unfortunate friend, about three
weeks before his death, received a visit from the priest at
Lyme. Towards the end of the interview he became much
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBRQY. 805
affected ; and at parting thus addressed him, *' Mr. Kelly,
you say Mass to-morrow ; pray for me, and recommend me
to the prayers of the congregation/' Before Mr. Kelly
could commence the service, he received from him the
following note : " Mr. Fisher forbids Mr. Kelly naming him
to the congregation this morning. Mr. Kelly must not
answer this, nor call again at Mr. Fisher's, as their confer-
ence has ended." Delirium had seized upon him, and never
quitted him until death, on Monday night, 5th September,
1853. He was buried on Saturday, 10th, in the cemetery of
Monkton Wyld,* near Charmouth.
For a long time he had given proofs of a disordered mind.
I trust that a most merciful Grod took pity on him.
^ So may he rest-— his faults lie gently on him 1 "
FisH£B, John, S.J., at the age of twenty joined the
Society, and eight years later was sent to the Devonshire
mission, where, I think, he died 20th October, 1645, set.
forty-six.
FisHSR, Samueld, O.S.F. — This true disciple of the
seraphic Father was born at Uppingham, co. Rutland,
20th October, 1792; he succeeded Mr. Baudouin at Taunton
12th November, 1818. After contributing greatly by his
eeal and abilities to the propagation of the Catholic faith in
that town and neighbourhood, he had the comfort of seeing
the foundation-stone of a public chapel laid in the Crescent on
13th April, 1821, and of witnessing its opening on Srd July,
1822. He was ordered, within six months later, to take
charge of the Poor Clares at Plymouth, where he arrived
on 3rd January, 1823, and continued with them until they
left Plymouth for Oravelines on 28th May, 1834 ; but busi-
ness detained him on the premises till Midsummer of that
year. Since that period he has been stationed at Llanarth
Court, CO. Monmouth.
Flynn, Thomas, O.S.F. — This native of Ireland, a man of
zeal and of herculean strength, was the first resident incum-
beut of the laborious mission of Plymouth. His chapel
was over a stable in the rear of the George Inn, Devonport.
After nearly ten years of indefatigable zeal, he resigned his
charge to the Rev. J. Lewis Guilbert in February, 1803,
and went to Bardstown, now the episcopal see of Kentucky ;
since then I can learn nothing of him.
FoGAETY, John, of Ireland. — On his ordinations, he was
• A perpetual curacy recently formed out of the extensive parish of
White Church Canonicorum.
806 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST QF THB CLESOT^
sent to Glasgow^ where over-exertion induced exhaostion.
He came down to Taunton for the benefit of his health,
and for a short time felt himself equal to the charge of
the mission there; but was soon obliged to resign. The
good nuns of the convent harboured this young talented
missioner, who died 8rd November, 1850, set. twenty-seven,
of a deep decline, and honourably buried him in their own
cemetery. May Heaven reward their charity I
Ford, Thomas. — This native of Devon, abandoning his
fellowship in Trinity College, Oxford, and all his worldly
prospects, passed over to Douay College in 1571. In that
seminary of martyrs he became one of its first priests two
years later. After spending about six years in the cultiva-
tion of the vineyard, he was arrested at Lyford, co. Berks,
17th July, 1581 ; and on 28th May following was barba-
rously butchered at Tyburn. See Challoner's Memoirs ; and
also note in the Appendix.
Forrester, Charles, alias Fleurt, S.J., was bom in
France 21st April, 1739; entered the Novitiate in 1766.
From his own narrative we learn that in company with
F. Edward Howard, S.J., he reached Ostend on Saturday
evening Srd August, 1767, to pi*ooeed to his destined mission
at Linstead Lodge, the seat of Lord Teynham. Both desired
to say Mass the next morning before they sailed for Eng-
land ; their host managed this, and served them himself at
three in the morning, but warned them that " un ministre
Anglican les guettoit soigneusement.^' In effect this plotter
of mischief had given up his lodging at another inn, and his
place in another vessel, to be close to, and embark with them.
On arriving at Dover, his information procured for them
a strict search at the Custom House ; but Mr. Forrester had
previously arranged to send their books, relics, kc., by
another way. Their prying companion stuck close, and
followed them to Canterburv and thence to Biochester.
Here Mr. Forrester fortunately met a friend, to whom he
related how they were dodged. It was then settled that a
postchaise was to be sent for, into which Mr. Forrester stepped
and drove off to Linstead Lodge in that neighbourhood.
Mr. Howard's destination was London. Suddenly the
parson missed half his prey; his untired malice vowed
revenge; and in consequence of his misrepresentations,
Mr. Howard had to experience much unworthy treatment at
Deptford.
When F. Forrester had been between two and three years
at Linstead Lodge, a young woman applied to him for in-
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLERGY. 807
Btmction^ as she desired to become a Catholic. The zealous
parson of the parish^ Mr. Fox^ got intelligence of this^ and in
the fermentation of his spirit acquainted his grace of Canter*
bury of the impending evil, who directed him to prevent
the mischief and to make a formal visitation at Linstead
Lodge, and severely lecture its chaplain. Arriving in his
canonicals, he demanded to see Mr. Forrester, and was shown
into a small parlour. Mr. Forrester obeyed the impertinent
summons, when the following dialogue took place.
Parson. Servant, sir.
Mr. Forrester. Yours, sir.
Parson. You are a Popish priest, I believe.
Mr. Forrester. I have the honour to be Lord Teynham's
chaplain.
Parson. You preach, I understand, sir?
Mr. Forrester. I make it my endeavour to give every one
who addresses me all the satisfaction in my power.
Parson. And pray do you talk to such persons in Latin or
English ?
Mr. Forrester. As I always endeavour to speak so as to be
understood, I should defeat my own purpose, and act like a
fool to talk to persons, mostly of the lower class andilliteratCj
in the Latin language.
Parson. Oh, very well, sir ! you may speak as you please
to those of your own way of thinking, but I understand you
are tampering with N.N. I promise, if you attempt to make
proselytes, I shall enforce the penal laws against you; I have
fiill authority, and even orders so to do.
Mr. Forrester (rising from his chair and presenting his
hand cordially to his visitor). Give me leave, dear sir, in
such case, to add to my respect for you the warmest assurance
of gratitude as to a person whom I must regard as singularly
and truly my benefactor.
Parson. What do you mean, sir ?
Mr. Forrester. Exactly what I say, sir. For in the event
of your putting your threat into execution I shall be raised
by you to the blessing pronounced by Jesus Christ himself,
upon those who suffer persecution for justice' sake.
Parson (astonished and a little confused). I don't under-
stand you. What do you mean ? I never heard any one
talk in this manner before. Are you in earnest ?
Mr. Forrester. From the very bottom of my heart, I
assure you, sir, such are my real sentiments.
The parson gradually calmed down, waived the subject,
and took a very civil leave. A few weeks later he sent a
polite invitation to Lord and Lady Teynham, soliciting the
X 2
808 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THK CLSROT.
honour of their company to a fiU^ and specially requested
that Bev. Mr. Forrester might be one of the party. Nay,
after some months^ he actually sent his two sons for educa«
tion at St. Omer's College.
So much for consistency of principle, and still more for the
power of mildness and humility I
F. Forrester continued at Linstead Lodge until 28th
January, 1775, and on 10th February of that year reached
Wardour, and on 6th October following removed from the
old house under the ruined castle into the present noble
residence of the family. Two large rooms served the pur-
poses of a temporary chapel until the new edifice could be
solemnly blessed on the eve of All Saints^ 1776, and the next
day was opened with a solemn High Mass, unprecedented
in those days, except in ambassadors' chapels. At the end of
eighteen years he formally resigned the charge of the Wardour
Mission, which had greatly increased under his zealous ad-
ministration, for the position of private chaplain to his illus-
trious patrons. In 1810 he quitted Wardour with the
Dowager Lady Arundell^ for her seat at Imham, co. Lincoln,
and adhered to her until her pious death 20th June, 1813.
Shortly after he retired to Newhall, near Chelmsford, where
he closed an honoured life by the death of the just, 2nd May,
1823, set. eighty-six.
F. Forrester was an able and accomplished gentleman, and
full of the ecclesiastical spirit. In his goodness of heart,
without sufficient deliberation, he associated himself to the
Faquanarists, who had an establishment at Kensington ; but
he soon discovered his error, and eventually reunited himself
to the restored Society of Jesus.
His venerable uncle, F. Peter Anthony Lawrence Fleury,
S. J., was hospitably received, at the French Revolution,
by Lord and Lady Arundell; and at his death, 6th De-
cember, 1797, set. seventy-one, at Wardour, was honour-
ably interred in the family vault beneath the church
sanctuary.
Fosse, de la, James, an exemplary priest of Rouen, who,
in the autumn of 1795, accepted the place of director of
Lanherne Convent, and seven years later, on the departure
of L'Abb^ Riout for France, the additional charge of the
congregation. He died there 27th November, 1817, set.
sixty-nine, and was buried in the chapel he had served.
FouBNiER, Paul Auoustin. — At the French Revolution
this priest of Vitr^ emigrated to Portugal. After some years
he transferred himself to England, and is connected with the
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT. 809
West^ bj having had charge of the faithful band at Calver-
leigh^ from 15th March^ 1811^ until his sudden death by
apoplexy on 18th January^ 1819, aged sixty-seven. He was
buried in Calverleigh churchyard. I never knew a more
methodical, unobtrusive, and exemplary priest.
Pox, Laurence Charles Pridbaux, O.M.I.j bom at
Kingsbridge, Devon, 22nd August, 1820. His parents,
Bobert Ware Fox and Rachel Cookworthy were members
of the Society of Friends. Their son, after practising as
a dentist at Torquay, received the grace of vocation to
the Catholic faith, applied to F. McDonnell for instruction,
and by that experienced guide was introduced into Qod'a
Church on 1 5th August, 1843. Piety led him on to the Insti-
tute of the Oblates of Mary the Immaculate, five years later,
on 15th August, 1848. Bishop Oillis ordained him priest
at Galashiels, Roxburghshire, on 10th August, 1853 ; and he
said his first Mass on 15th of the same month, at Abbots*
ford, once the residence of the celebrated Sir Walter
Scott, Bart, (as it happened on the birthday of that illus-
trious scholar), but now the property of the learned convert,
Mr. Hope Scott.
The reverend gentlemen has lately moved from the house
at Galashiels to Sickling Hall, near Wetherby.
Frost, James, O.S.F., a man of real merit and of deserved
distinction in his order; elected 13th July, 1770, guardian
of St. Bonaventure's, Douay, and provincial 80th August,
1782, His name is entitled to be perpetuated for his diluent
cultivation of the Ugbrook mission for full ten years. See
Chapter Book of 30th November, 1756, though his register
commences only with October, 1757, and concludes with
June, 1766. To the sincere regret of the Cliflfbrd family, he
was recalled by his superiors to be president of Edgebaston
School. This amiable gentleman died at Wootton 8rd October,
1785, aged fifty-four.
Frter, Charles, nephew, I believe, of the celebrated pre*
sident of the English College at Lisbon. After serving
MamhuU for some time he was transferred to London,
where he died, 23rd June, 1811. His brother, William
Victor Fryer, D.D., educated at Lisbon, was for many years
the first chaplain to the Portuguese Chapel, South-street,
London ; and when that was closed, attached himself par-
tially as chaplain to the Countess de Front ; but died in his
own house. South-street, on the 6th of September, 1844,
aged seventy-nine.
810 BIOOEAFHIPAL LIST OY THE CLBBOT.
Frtbr, William, bom of an ancient family in co. Somer-
set ; completed his studies at Douay College ; but owing to
the weak state of his health was obliged to return to his
native country before his promotion to priesthood. Bishop
Challoner having at length ordained him, sent him to St.
Alban's College at Yalladolid. Until the suppression of the
S.J. this house, and the two smaller ones at Madrid and
Seville, founded to train missionaries for England, were under
the government of the fathers, but after their expulsion from
Spain, were made over to the jurisdiction of Bishop Challoner.
His lordship merged the two minor establishments of
Madrid and Seville into the college of Yalladolid. In this
college Mr. Fryer filled the office of vice-president for twelve
years. On the retirement of the Rev. James Barnard from
the presidency of the Lisbon College, Dr. Fryer was appointed
his successor in 1782, and under his firm, gentle, and effi-
cient government, the house assumed a renovated appearance.
This worthy superior fell a victim to a scorbutic complaint
on 15th August, 1805.
Another priest of this name and family died on Stii
June, 1849, at Cowes, Isle of Wight, at the early age of
thirty-one, leaving two reverend brothers, J. and Alfred
Fryer.
FuBLONo, Jonathan, bom in co. Limerick 27th September,
1796, was educated at Maynooth, ordained priest there on
12th June, 1824; succeeded the Rev. Maurice CVConnor at
Lanheme, 30th October, 1826; but two months later ex-
changed with the Bev. Robert Piatt for Axminster, where he
exerted himself in collecting subscriptions towards the erec-
tion of the present chapel of St. Mary ; but he quitted the
place at Michaelmas, 1827, as the Bishop of Killala required
his services.
FuRLONo, Moses, O.C, D.D., bom in co. Lancashire 17th
March, 1810; ordained priest with Charles Fisher, already
mentioned at Prior Park, on 1st June, 1833. After render-
ing valuable service to that college as vice-president and
occasional missionary, he was ordered to Lanheme for
St. Clare's feast in 1842; but his stay was short, for he
became a member of the Institute of Charity at Batdiffe
College, and has since been employed at Rugby.
FuRSDON (Cuthbert), John, O.S.B. — This eldest son of
Mr. Fursdon, of Fursdon, Cadbuir, Devon, was the happy
instmment of converting the Falkland feunily. He died in
London, 2nd February, 1638.
BIOORAPHICAL LIST OF THK CLE&OT. 811
IVbsdon (Cuthbert)/ Thomas^ O.S.B.^ I think^ was
younger brother of John Fursdon. He was never attached
to any mission ; but died in the convent at Dieulwart^ where
he had passed sixty years, on 21st December, 1677, set.
ninety-two.
G.
Oallaoheb, John J. — ^After trying various places, Gibraltar
amongst the rest, he was accepted for Chidiock, where he
took rest in 1853 and 1854. He is now stationed at Wolver-
hampton.
Garoni, Henrt. — ^In early life he entered amongst the
Benedictines. Quitting Italy for England, he was admitted
to the office of librarian at Oscott College ; and has, for some
years, been chaplain to Mrs. Stonor at Bingrove House,
Selcombe, and at Lyneham, Devonshire.
Gates, Kobert Peter, bom 1st February, 1787. After
trying several places, in March, 1827, he undertook Falmouth,
which he quitted for Axminster on Idth September following.
This mission proving unsatisfactory, he left it at the end of a
twelvemonth for Usk. After other experiments, I find that
his present station is at Ipswich.
Gavan, or Gawbn,* John, S.J., doubtless intimately con-
nected with the Gawens of Norrington, Wilts, mentioned in
Part I., chapter ix. In early life he was sent to St. Omer's
Xollege, where, by his dove-like innocence, he merited the
name of the " angel.*' On 28th May, 1666, I find him
defending the whole course of philosophy at Liege, with his
talented confrire Charles Evans. After finishing his theolo-
gical studies and receiving the order of priesthood, F. Gawen
was stationed at Wolverhampton, a fitting theatre for his zeal
and eloquence ; but when the perjuries of the miscreant
Gates and Dugdale had maddened the English nation, the
course of the practical usefulness of our pious missionary
was closed, by his arrest and imprisonment. After twenty
weeks' confinement he was brought to trial, at the Old Bailey,
in June, 1672, with FF. Whitbread, Harcourt, Fenwick, and
Turner. Their innocence of the plot was made transparent
to every calm spectator ; but a jury, terrified by an imaginary
danger, brought in a verdict of Guilty, and all five were led,
Hke their blessed Lord, as sheep to the slaughter, on 80th
June, N.S. Father Gawen exchanged a miserable life for
* See the tiUe-page to his Trial, as published by authority in 1679*
313 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
immortality at tlie early age of thirty-nine^ rel. nineteen^
prof. one.
N.B. In my humble opinion F. Ambrose Gawen, O.S.B.^
professed at Lambspring 21st March^ 1690, and who died
3rd September, 1737, was a member of this respectable
family.
Geary, Anselm, O.S.B., professed at Lambspring 15th
April, 1732 ; served Leighland for some time; died at Bath
23rd March, 1795, set. eighty-two.
Gerard, William, bom at Beerland Farm, near Chidiock,
11th September, 1754 ; was chiefly educated at Douay. From
1784 until 24th May, 1830, when God released his soul from
the prison of the body, the yenerable man was chaplain at
Llanarth Court, co. Monmouth.
Gibbons, John, S.J., bom in the city of Wells, in 1544.
This learned divine resigned his canonry at Bonn, to which
he had been collated by Pope Gregory XIII., to become the
humble novice of the Society at Triers in 1578. He died
rector of the college there, 3rd December, 1589. It is known
that he had the principal hand in the '^ Concertatio Ecclesiffi
Catholics^'' in England, though after the first edition at
Triers in 1583, Dr. Bridgewater augmented the work in his
editions of 1584 and 1588.
Gibbons, Richard, S.J., younger brother of John afore-
said, but who had entered the Society at Bome Ist September,
1572. Few scholars have been more indefatigable as pro-
fessors and authors. His most useful life closed at Douay
23rd June, 1632, set. eighty-three. For the list of his works
see Southwell's " Bibliotheca Scriptoram S.J."
Gibson, Isaac, S.J. — Of his early life I can barely gleau^
that at the age of nineteen he joined the Jesuits ; that after
his promotion to the priesthood he was employed in the
Gloucestershire mission, and that he died 10th Novemberj
1728, aged sixty-four.
GiiiDART, George Thomas. — In the twelfth chapter of
the first Part, page 117, I have given all I could collect
of this worthy gentleman, who died 17th February, 1827,
aged sixty-three.
Gilbert, William, S.J., a native of co. Somerset. — ^At
the age of twenty he dedicated himself to Gt>d in the Society,
and was enrolled amongst its professed fathers 8th September,
1645. He closed his missionary life 22nd December, 1677,
set. seventy.
BIOOR^?BICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 313
OiLUBRAND, Richard^ S. J.^ of Chorley, bom 2nd
March, 1717; he entered, with his elder brother William,
into the Watten novitiate in 1735. He is connected with
the west by having been for some time the incumbent at
Arlington, near Barnstaple. His death took place at Bath
on 23rd March, 1774.
GiLLiBBAND, WiLLiAM, S.J. — ^Aftcr Serving several chap-
laincies, he came into the west, and was the first resident
incumbent of Exeter, — a situation which he occupied for
about four or five years. He then succeeded to the patrimonial
estate at Chorley, where he ended his days 22nd Mardi, 1779,
aged sixty-four.
OiLMORE, Paul, O.S.B. — ^Prom the profession-book of
Lambspring Abbey, I learn that he was bom at Ramsbury,
in Wilts ; that he took the habit there on 27th June, 1685.
That he went into the house of eternity in 1748 appears to be
certain. I suspect that this religious was the author of
" The Pious Monitor of the Divine Presence.*'
• OiBARD, l'Abbe Bernard, succeeded the worthy M. Du-
chemin at Gloucester, in 1816, and retained that incum-
bency until his death on 4th November, 1825, aged sixty*
four. — See Part I. p. 117.
Olassbrook, Anselm, O.S.B., was bom at Wigan 12tb
February, 1803; went to St. Edmund's Convent, Douay,
in September, 1818, and was professed there 13th October,
1823; he studied theology partly there, and partly at
St. Sulpice, Paris; and was ordained priest in September,
1828. Twice he has been employed at Cheltenham; but
the chief scene of his missionary labours has been in the
north of England, especially at Workington, Cumberland,
in which county he had the satisfaction of establishing
the new mission at Maryport. After serving Fairford, in
Gloucestershire, for four years, and understanding that the
salary would cease at the death of Lord De Mauley, he
managed to secure an eligible spot in Cirencester, where he
has the merit of having opened a chapel.
Godwin, Ignatius, S. J., of Somersetshire. — ^At the age of
twenty-two he joined the order, and for twenty years was
employed in the residence of St. Stanislaus, which included
Devon and Cornwall, viz. from 1631 to 1651. He then
retired to Liege, where he was appointed Professor of Moral
Divinity and Controversy; and there published, in 1656,
that excellent treatise, " Lapis Lydius Controversiarum,^' in
24mo. pp. 446; and in the ensuing year, the ''Pia Exerci^
314 BIOGliAPHICAL LIST OF THS CLXROT.
tatio Divini Amoris.^' Returning to England, he died
quietly in London, 26th November, 1667, set sixty-five.
Godwin, Henry, bom at Liverpool, 14th December,
1821 ; he made his studies at Lisbon, and at the age of
twenty-five was promoted to priesthood. In 1847 he was
appointed to the mission of Oloucester, void by the death of
F. Hartley; but when he had done duty there for seven
months, was transferred to the larger field of Plymouth.
This also he left in January, 1850. Thence he proceeded to
Fairford, and St. Mary's, at Bristol.
Good, Wii^liam, S.J., a native of Glastonbury, and one
of the earliest of our countrymen who joined the Jesuits ;
for he entered their novitiate at Tournay, in 1562. This
truly good father, as Dr. Allen styles him, after ren-
dering important services to religion, closed a life of pious
labour at Naples 5th July, 1586. — See Collectanea S.J.^
p. 105.
Gordon. — ^All that I can as yet learn of this reverend
gentleman amounts to this, that he was chaplain to Mrs.
Bearcroft, daughter of Sir Walter Compton, Bart., at Hart-
pury-court, about the year 1770.
GosroRD, Edward Alfred, was serving Bridport in 1852,
and went to supply in other districts. He then went to the
family of the Biddells at Cheesebum Grange, Northumber*
land ; but he quitted this mission early in 1856.
GossiER, Joseph Francis, bom at Dieppe in 1766; he
finished his studies at Bouen, and at the period of the French
Bevolution was vicar of St. James's in his native town. This
highly-gifted and much respected ecclesiastic is connected
with the west by having been attached to the Arundell
family from 26th August, 1800, residing much at Ashcombe,
near Wardour. Everard, the tenth Lord Arundell, who was
his pupil for several years, and felt under deep obligations to
such a tutor, wished me to retain his name amongst the
Wiltshire clergy. On 10th November, 1806, he succeeded
to the charge of educating Arthur James, Lord Killeen, now
Lord Fingdl. On 19th May, 1813, he undertook the same
ofiioe for the Hon. Edward Petre. At length, returning to
France, he settled at Rouen, where he died, honoured and
beloved, on 22nd March, 1840. This benevolent man's will
bears date 27th February, 1839. To the Carmelite nuns at
Rouen he leaves 10,000 francs, with the obligation of keep-
ing his anniversary, and of having Masses celebrated on
26th August for the Arundell family, on 10th November
9100BAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLXIIOY. 815
for tbe Fingall finmily, and on 19th May for the Petre
family: ''Pour lea membrea yivants et morts dea famillea
respectives que je regarde comme mea amiea et bien*
faitrices.^' For the benefit of old and infirm ecclesiastica
of the diocese of Rouen^ he bequeaths the interest of 20,000
francs. To the three poorest parishes in Rouen^ he gives
20^000 firancs ; and the same amount (20^000 firancs) to the
Literary, Scientific, and Agricultural Societies in the depart-
ment " de la Seine Inferieure." For many years before his
death he had been nominated ''chanoine honoraire de la
Cathedrale de Bouen/'
Gradell, John, S.J. — His real name was O'Neil, bom
in Ireland 11th May, 1716. At the age of twenty-six he
joined the Society. I know that he was serving the Cornish
mission in 1746, and there, I believe, he died on 6th
January, 1760. I have seen his signature in some books :
John Gradell, Comub. Ihs.
Graves, John, S.J., of Somersetshire. — ^After filling the
office of Penitentiary at St. Peter's in Rome, and serving
the English mission, he retired to the College of Liege, and
was appointed professor of Hebrew and Scripture. There
he died on 30th August, 1652; soc. fifty-five, set. eighty-
four.
Gratton (Stephen), Thomas, O.S.F., bom at Rowington
31st May, 1764; entered St. Bonaventure's Convent at
Douay, as he informed me, on 10th October, 1780, and lived
to be twice provincial of his brethren. This truly man of
God was connected with the Western District by his resi-
dence at Taunton Convent, where he edified and enlightened
all that approached him. This amiable old man went to his
reward on 23rd December, 1847.
Grben, Henrt Jamxs, the present pastor of St. Osmund^
Salisbury.
Grbbn, Huoh, alias Brooks, FBRDiNANn, mart3nred at
Dorchester. (See Part I. p. 89; and Bishop ChaJloner'a
Memoirs.) He was butchered alive, 19th August, 1642.
Grebnwat, Gborob, son of Charles Greenway, of Tiverton^
bom 25th July, 1779, and baptixed on 28th of the same
month by Rev. John Edisford, S.J. ; was educated at Sedgley-
park, where I well recollect him, and St. Alban's College
at Valladolid; but was ordained priest, as he told me, at
St. Edmund's, Herts, in September, 1803. For seventeen
years St. Mary's, Moorfields, had the advantage of hia
spirited exertions and eloquence* In the prime of life he
816 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT.
was called away^ to my deep regret^ on 19tli October^ 1821,
and his remains lie in the vaults of this Pro-Cathedral,
where a moral monument thus records his worth.
Sacred to the Memory of
The Reverend George (xreenway.
Bom at Tiverton, in the county of Devon, the xxv* July, 1779,
And educated in the English College of Yalladolid, in Spain.
Hie virtues and exemplary conduct^
During the seventeen years he was Fastor of this Congregation,
Endeared him to every one ; and his death hereft those who Knew him
Of a most sincere friend.
He departed this life on the xix*^ Oct. mdcccxxi. aged xlii.
Requiescat in Pace.
Of this dear old firiend I may say,
*^ Flere et meminisse relictum est.'*
Greenway, John, son of John Greenway, of Tiverton.
His father was a convert to the Catholic faith, with his two
uncles, Stafford''^ and Charles. Educated at Yalladolid, this
young priest, with the reputation of being a polite scholar
and a sound Theologian, was appointed pastor of the rising
congregation at Gloucester. Under his auspices, everything
wore an improved appearance; he purchased the present
premises for the mission, erected St. Peter's Chapel, opened
an academy for young gentlemen of family, and made himself
universally respected, when in the mid-career of usefulness
he was prematurely carried off, 29th November, 1800, set.
fifty*
Grezille, alias Hoche. — This Erench abbe succeeded
P. Casemore, at Falmouth, 6th August, 1818. To his honour
it should be recorded that he collected, by his industry, and
chiefly amongst the royal family of France, the sum of
iSSOO towards the erection of the present chapel of St. Mary ;
the foundation-stone of which was laid 2l8t February, 1819.
It was opened on 24th October, 1821. He died on 17th
August following, and was buried in his own chapel*
Grimston, John, S.J., bom at Preston 23rd November,
1819; entered the order 7th September, 1837, and was
ordained priest 25th August, 1860. Since 30th June, 1858,
* Stafford was Master of the Free English School at Tiverton ;
but, on account of his conversion, was obliged to resign, in 17579 after
holding the situation twelve years. Obiit Londini 13th April, 1797»
let. seventy. His wife, Lucy, survived until 20th August, 1809, set.
seventy, and, with his sister, Mary, who died 10th May, 1821, est.
seventy-two^ lies near him in St. Pancras, London.
BIOO&APHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 817
be has been tbe pastor of Wardour^ vice F. J. Laurenson^
transferred to Worcester,
GuiLBBRT, John Lewis, bom in Normandy 17th January,
1763; at the emigration settled himself at Shepton Mallett.
Bishop Sharrock, who knew him to be clever and zealous,
appointed him in the spring of 1803 to succeed F. Flynn at
Plymouth. Disgusted with the mean locality of the chapel
at Dock, now Devonport, he took a lease of a large spot in
Stonehouse, on which he erected a presbytere, and on 28th
May, 1806, laid the foundation-stone of St. Mary's Chapel,
which, I remember, was opened for public worship on 20th
[December, 1807. It was a bold undertaking for those times.
He continued his indefatigable exertions in this increasing
mission until the close of 1815, when he returned to France.
There he was made " chanoine honoraire de St. Denis,'' and
almoner to the Dauphin Cuirassiers. He died on 27th July,
1822, at Epinal, department de Yosges.
H.
Hacon, Hubert, S.J., was admitted into the order at
Watton, 7th September, 1698, and after finishing his higher
studies at Liege, was sent on the English mission. After
acting as chaplain to the Ferrers family, he was appointed
successor to F. Richard Holland, at Wardour, in 1734w
There he died 9th May, O.S., 1751, aged seventy-three*
His gravestone in Tisbury Church is thus inscribed : —
^ Hie jacet Hubertns Hacon.
Obiit Mali nono, Anno Dni 1751.
Reqaiescat in Pace.
Halpord, John, a learned and exemplary priest of Douay
College. He succeeded the Rev. Charles Needham, at Tor
Abbey, at Michaelmas 1788, and during the seventeen suc-
cessive years discharged all the duties of the good pastor.
From bad health he was forced to retire from the situation
he filled with so much credit. His lamented death occurred
at Henley-upon-Thames on 8th December, 1805.
Hall, Boniface, O.S.B., of Lancashire, bom in 1787;
professed at Lambspring 7th November, 1756; resided at
Lanheme about fifteen years, when he went to Cossey Hall
for a short time. Thence, late in 1771, he quitted for Lamb-
spring, where he terminated his days on 16th October, 1803,
and was the first person buried in the Abbey Church after
the monastery was suppressed by the Prussian authorities.
818 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLEEOT.
Hall (Placid), John, O.S.B., bom at Bamber-bridge, co.
Lancashire, 30th October, 1819; professed at Broadway 29th
December, 1834, by the president, F. Birdsall ; left Broadway
for Downside 3rd November, 1841 ; was ordained priest by
Bishop Baggs 1st June, 1844; and four years and a half
later waa appointed the missioner of Downside. In Part I.
p. 66, I have alluded to his zealous labours in commencing
the mission of Frome. Since 12th April, 1853, he has been
stationed at Warrington.
Halt, Chaeles, bom in Bristol 29th December, 1776;
was partly educated at Borne, and St. Edmund's College,
Herts ; for some years was the incumbent at XJsk, where he
took pupils. On 2nd July, 1819, he became the pastor of
the Axminster congregation; and, sb I well recollect, sud-
denly retired from its charge and all missionary duty on 6th
September, 1821. What became of him, I could never
ascertain.
Hamblet, John. — It is generally stated that he was bom
in the diocese of Exeter ; but F. Warford, his cotemporary,
relates that Somersetshire wais his native county, and then
supplies the following particulars which he had collected from
credible persons : that he was betrayed at an inn by a gen«
tleman's servant ; that he fared very hard during two years'
imprisonment, not without blame to some Catholics living
at no great distance, who might have relieved him in his
necessities. At his arraignment, a verdict was found against
him. The judge, cut nomen GerUius,* addressed him in such
soft and pathetic terms, that the prisoner's constancy
appeared to the court to be staggering, and he inclining to
conform, when, strange to say, a perfect stranger stepped
forward and delivered to him a letter. He read it again and
again, and became so deeply affected, as to burst into tears ;
but declined to satisfy the bystanders as to the cause of his
distress. The next morning he announced, in open court,
his deep sense of shame of his weakness, and bitterly
lamented that the solicitations of his lordship, and the terror
of impending death, had, for a time, shaken his resolution;
but that now the most excruciating torments would prove
most acceptable to him. On the following day he went
rejoicing to the place of execution. F. Warford then
obs^es, ^' that it was manifest that the letter produced this
extraordinary change, yet up to this day, notwithstanding
the most diligent inquiry had been instituted, it remained a
secret who was its writer or its deliverer, whence some^ and
* Thomas Gent, janior Baron of Exchequer.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBBOT. 819
not without reason^ believed that it came from his' angel
guardian :'' — " Unde, et a nonnuUis^ nee immerito, ab angelo
custode illatse literae creduntar.''
It is nearly certain that he was executed at Chard^ and not
at York^ in the summer of 1587. Dodd antedates his death
by two years.
Hanne^ Charles, S.J., bom at Deyiock, in Cardinham
parish, near Bodmin, on 14th June, 1711. At the age of
twenty he joined the order. The venerable man was for
some years superior of his brethren in the residence of
St. George, which included Worcestershire and Warwick-
shire ; but for the last forty years of his life, he was stationed
in Northumberland. He died at Haggerston, 27th April,
1799.
Hardino, Thomas, D.D., bom at Bickington, or Combe
iMartiu, Devon, rose by his talents to be a leading professor
of the University of Oxford, and to hold valuable prefer-
ments in the Church ; all which he resigned to follow his
conscience, soon after Queen Elizabeth's accession. Settling
at Louvain, he stood forth the strenuous champion of Catho-
licity, especially against Jewell,* his near countryman, but
bishop of Salisbury. For an account of his powerful works,
see Wood's " Athen» Oxon./' Part I. p. 188. This learned
divine died at Louvain aged about sixty, and was there
buried, 16th September, 1572. See also his life in Prince's
"Worthies of Devon."
Harrington, alias Drury, Mark, of Douay CoUeg^
and ordained priest 7th December, 1616. Dodd (vol. iii.
p. 304) informs us that he wasi living in the Wiltshire
mission in 1635, and was Y.G. of Bishop Bichard Smith.
That he was an able man is indisputable; but, like his
friend, the Rev. Thomas White, was unfortunately a lover of
the profane novelties of words. His death occurred in July,
1657, aged sixty-six.
Harrington, William. — ^This blessed priest and martyr
of Rheims College, came to the English mission in 1592,
"and lived and conversed in the west country," but was
apprehended in London. Dr. Challoner in his Memoirs
* He was bora at Bowden, in the parish of Benry-Narbor, d4th
March, 1522. I hare seen the will of hb maternal uncle — I believe, Jckn
Bellamv, — the incumbent of High Hampton and Countitbury, dated 5th
December, 1543, in which he gives ^ to John Juell the younger, now
scholar at Oxford, at such tyme that he doth precede Master of Arte^
£S. 6«. Bd.,'* and to every ouier child of John Juell, of Bowdtii, one
sheep.
820 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLSBOT.
(vol* i. p. 165 of Manchester edit. 1803) laments that he
was not able to learn when^ how, or where he was appre-
hended, or any - other particulars of his sufferings or
missionary labours. The following letter, originally written
shortly after his execution at Tyburn, w^l partly supply that
deficiency.
''He was apprehended in May last in the chamber of
one Mr. Henry Dunne, a young gentlemen of the Inns of
Court, by Mr. Justice Younge, and by him committed to
Bridewell ; from thence at the next sessions, about the end
of June, he was removed to Newgate, and then indicted of
of high treason. He pleaded. Not guilty. Being asked by
Mr. Seijeant Drew,* the Recorder, how he would be tried?
He answered, ' By God and the Bench.' He was told to
say, ' By God and the country/ He replied he would not
have a jury of simple men determine of his life. The Bench
were, or should be, wise and learned, and thereby knew
whether the law were a just law, and himself culpable ; and
other trial he would have none. He was told they would
give present judgment. He said, he was prepared for it.
Upon this his resolution, judgment was respited and himself
carried back to Newgate. From thence he was carried to
the Attorney and Solicitor (Generals) to be by them
examined ; firom them he was committed to the Marshalsea.
He then wrote a letter to the Lord Keeper, giving him to
understand the reasons of his refusing ordinary trial. On
15th February, at the sessions held at Newgate, he was
suddenly sent for thither, and his former indictment being
again read, he was asked whether he would yet put himself
in trial upon the country. He said, as before, that he was
resolved not to do it. The Recorder said, he deceived
himself if thereby he sought to save his life ; and that they
might and would give him his judgment. He answered, he
knew very well they might, and that like judgment had
been given at York against two other priests, which was
sufficient precedent unto him ; and as they would not lay
the burden of conscience on more men, as contrivers of
their death than needs they must, so he, knowing that
after the jury should pronounce him guilty, yet the judge
must give sentence, meant to free the jury, and lay all the
guilt of his death on the judge and the Bench. 'Then,'
said the Recorder, ' it is manifest you are a priest, and come
into England with traitorous intent, and therefore I will
give judgment.' 'My intent,' said Mr. Harrington, 'in
* This able and affluent lawyer of Devonshire died at his seat, Killer-
ton, in 1622, and lies in the parish church of Broad Clist.
BIOQBAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 321
coming into England^ was and is no other than St. John the
Baptist's in coming to Herod ; and as he told Herod it was
not lawful for him to marry his brother's wife ;* so I tell my
loving countrymen, it is not lawful to go to church, and to
live in schism and heresy. So, if I be a traitor, St. John
was a traitor, his case and mine being all one.' Upon this
the Recorder gave judgment, as in case of treason, whereat
he was nothing dismayed. Then said the Lord Chief Justice
unto him, ' You area young man, and the queen is merciful;
go but to church, and you may live.' Mr. Harrington
turned him to the people and prayed them to note what
goodly treason there was: if he would go to church, he
should live ; but -because he would not so do, he must die ;
therefore, his not going to church was all the treason. And
so he was removed from the bar to Newgate, and put into
one of the limbos, as the manner is ; there he continued all
that night, and Saturday and Sunday following. On Monday,
being 18th February, between seven and eight in the morn-
ing, after he had given his benediction to some poor Catholic
women that found means to visit him, and by them sent
his handkerchiefs and some other necessaries to his particular
friends abroad, he was brought forth and laid on the hurdle,
and thereunto fast bound, and was drawn towards the usual
place of execution. When he was something near the place,
the Serjeant told him he had then not far to go, and willed
him to prepare himself to die like a Christian. One of
Mr. Harrington's brethren being near, answered the seijeant,
• ' You need not trouble him, you see he is willing enough to
die,' and so took leave of him and returned. He was no
sooner gone, but they said, ' It had been a good deed to have
apprehended him/ and asked him what he was. Mr. Har-
rington told them he was one of his five brothers ; but one
• that had no cause to fear them, as not being a Catholic ; for
which cause, and to think of the lamentable estate of his
poor countrymen, his very heart did bleed. And therewithal
.tears fell from his eyes. 'Why,' quoth one of the seijeants,
'what think you of us?' He answered>'As of all schis-
matics and heretics, that unless you repent, you cannot be
saved.' Now were they come to the place of execution,
where ten men and three women for felony being first in
hanging, and the Serjeants thereabout busy, a minister came
to Mr. Harrington, and proposed many questions in divinity
unto him, lying all that while on the hurdle. Mr. Harrington
.said, if he woiUd stand upon one only question which he
list, and not so run from one to another, he would answer
him ; so entering into disputation about St. Peter's primacy.
322 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBRG7.
Topcliffe came and interrupted them, saying, it was neither
time nor place to dispute ; but because he heard he was a
gentleman, fie wished him to resolve to acknowledge his trea-
son, and to ask the queen forgiveness. He answered, he had
never offended her; and immediately was put into the cart^
and the halter about his neck, and he began thus to speak^
'Oh, my loving countrymen, I thank you for your pains
and patience in coming hither to bear witness of the
manner and cause of my death/ Here T(^liffe inter-
rupted him, saying, he was not at Rome ; it was no place
for him to preach. ' Why,' said Mr. Harrington, ' may I
not speak ? ' ' Yes,' said Topcliffe, ' if you will speak to
these three points; that is to say, anything that tendeth
to the good of her Majesty's person, the good of the realm,
or the reforming of your conscience ; ' inferring, further,
that though he himself had sufficient authority to save him,
yet it might be, the sheriff had it more particularly, and
tlierefore willed him to expect mercy, and to speak plainly of
the west countiy, where they knew he had lived and con-
versed. He answered, he knew nothing but that Topcliffe's
mercy was worse than the Turks', who, having the body in
subjection, sought not to destroy the soul ; but Topcliffe was
never contented till he had destroyed both ; concluding that
he was a blood-sucker, and prayed Grod to forgive him.
Topcliffe replied, 'Thou liest; and so thou didst say the
queen was a tyrant?' He answered, ' I say nothing of the
queen, but that I never offended her; but I say you are a
tyrant and a blood-sucker; and no doubt you shall have
blood enough as long as you have hands and halters to hang
us. You shall not want priests; we were 300 in England,
you have put to death 100; other 200 are left. When they
are gone, 200 more are ready to come in their places ; and
for my part, I hope my death will do more good than ever
my life could have done.' Being ready to be turned fix)m
the cart, a gentleman called out unto him, and asked for
what religion he died. 'No more of that,' said Topcliffe,
' he dieth for treason, and not for religion ; * and so willed
the cart to be drawn away : he was forthwith cut down,
dismembered, bowelled, and quartered; and commandment
given that the blood should be clean dried up, that no
Catholics might remain. And thus he happily, with greKk
fortitude, obtained his crown of martyrdom.
" Mr. Henry Dunn, in whose chamber he was taken, was
committed to the Clink, where he persevered very constantly.
His father in his lifetime had given to the Chamber of London
a certain sum of money, for which they were to pay to his
BTOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THB CLEROT. 823
son at twenty-one years of Us age £500^ if lie lived so long.
Being now near twenty-one years old^ he was this last sum-
mer (the plague being then in Newgate) removed from the
Clink thither, and within a few days after he there sickened
and thereof died ; in all likelihood his remove contrived of
purpose, by that means so to make him away, to defeat him
of his money.
** It is verily reported, that seven of the felons were recon«
ciled by Mr. Harrington the night before his execution;
most certain it is, that some of them protested they would
die of his faith, refusing to pray with the ministers.^'
Harrison, Augx7stin, O.S.B. — ^This excellent scholar for
a time had rendered his valuable assistance at Beckford and
Spetisbury. His death occurred on 6th March, 1846, set.
seventy-four, rd. fifty-five.
Hart, William. — ^This young and accomplished minister
was bom at Wells, in co. Somerset ; after studying at Douay,
Rheims, and Rome, he was sent to the mission, but was very
soon arrested at York, at Christmas time, 1582, and on 15th
March following was hanged, drawn, and quartered for his
priestly character. The reader will be charmed and edified
with lus memoir in Bishop Challoner's Report of Missionary
Priests. He was but twenty-five at the time of his death.
Hartley, Peter. — I have had occasion to speak of this
exemplary and zealous priest under Weymouth and Gloucester,
in the First Part of these gleanings. He was bom at Bamley
on 28th June, 1792, and finished his education at St.
Edmund's College. He was first appointed to Chepstow
mission, but was transferred in 1823 to Falmouth, vice
(yMeally, where he served until March, 1827, when obedience
conducted him to Poole ; but in July the same year he was
selected as the first incumbent of Tawstock. On 20th
November, 1829, he was ordered to Weymouth ; and to him
religion is indebted for the purchase of the present site, on
which he erected the present Presbytere and St. Augustine's
Chapel, opened on 22nd October, 1835. Having achieved
this great work with indefatigable energy of mind and body,
he required relaxation, and was replaced at Chepstow. The
last six years and a half of his valuable life were passed at
Gloucester, where he caught a contagious fever in visiting
the sick, and thus fell a victim of charity on 3rd August,
1847, aged fifty-five.
Haskey, Richard, S.J., brother to the Rev. Joseph and
the Rev. Thomas Reeve, of the pame order. He is con-
Y 2
324 DIOGRA^niCAL LIST OF THE CLERGT.
nected with the West by having served both Salisbury and
Lullworth^ amidst a variety of places elsewhere. This original
character, but honest-hearted Englishman, finished his days
at Stonyhurst on 31st May, 1816, set. seventy-six, soe. fifty-
nine.
Havers, Bobert, S.J., bom at Thetton Hall, Norfolk,
16th August, 1813 ; studied at Stonyhurst ; joined the Society
26th March, 1829. For many yejirs he was one of the
assistant priests at Preston ; but after finishing his tertian-
ship, was appointed, in 1851, to the Shepton Mallett mission,
and on the retirement of Father Moutardier from Lnllwortb,
in May, 1854, succeeded to its duties.
Hatman, alias Pearse, Richard, S. J., who sometimes used
the Christian names of Edward and John on the mission,
entered the novitiate in 1687, and was enrolled amongst the
professed fathers 7th July, 1705. During his very long
missionary life he resided either at Trevithick or Tolfrey, near
Fawey. In the last-mentioned place be finished his mortal
course, as one who knew him informed me. This event
occurred on 30th April, 1756, ffit. eighty-seven.
Hawkins (Andrew), Francis, bom 30th November, 1795,
entered St. Susan's Monastery of La Trappe, at LuUwortfa,
13th September, 1808; emigrated with the community, in
the summer of 1817, to Meilleray, near Nantes, where he
was professed on 11th July, 1819; was ordained priest in
that city 21st December, 1822. To the venerable Abbot
Pere Antoine he was an invaluable assistant until the bar-
barous expulsion of the British membere of the monastery
in November, 1831. After spending some years with his
brethren at home, he was appointed coadjutor to Fere Palemon
at Stapchill, in 1840. By his active exertions, he witnessed
the laying of the foundation-stone of the new church of our
Lady of Dolors, on 25th May, 1847, and its solemn opening
on 16th July, 1851. To his office of director to this flourish-
ing community of Trappist nuns, he has annexed the charge
of a congregation of nearly 20O souls. He has recently
added to his church a noble bell of 1,150 lbs. weight, blessed
by Dr. Vaughan, Bishop of Plymouth, 29th January, 1856.
Hawkins, James, O.S.B., bom in Gloucestershire, professed
at Lambspring 15th January, 1705. Obiit 30th June, 1752.
Hawkins, James (Euoenixjs), bom 23rd July, 1797;
entered the monastery at LuUworth on 24th March, 1818 ;
was professed with his brother Andrew at Meilleray on 11th
July, 1819, and was ordained priest with him on 2l6t
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLERGY. 325
December^ 1822. When he was torn from his dear com-
munity and good abbot^ in November^ 1831^ he settled at
Naotes^ and has ever since been attached to the church of
St. Croix in that city, with the full approbation of the bishop.
Hawkins^ Francis (Stephen), was uncle to FF. Francis
and James aforesaid. He had entered the Cistercian
Monastery at LuUworth as early as 1794<, and received the
order of deacon, but his humility kept him from accepting
priesthood. In March, 1856, aged eighty-nine, he departed
to our Lord in St. Bernard's Abbey, Loughtoiu
Heatley, Hugh, O.S.B. — This devout religious, after
edifying Bath by his apostolic zeal for five years, fell a victim
of typhus fever on 28th April, 1792, at the early age of
thirty-three.
Hemerford, Thomas, a native of Dorset. From con-
scientious motives he quitted Hart's Hall, in the University
of Oxford, to proceed to Rheims College. Its president.
Dr. Allen, in a letter to F. Agazzari, S.J. (3rd August, 1580),
then recently appointed rector of the English College at
Rome, introduces Mr. Hemerford to his notice as "Vir
honestissimus,'' and mentions that he had started two days
before for the Eternal City, and was preparing himself for
entering into the Society of Jesus. He Vas admitted into
the English College at Rome on 9th October that year, and
in March, 1583, was ordained priest by Dr. Thomas Goldwell,
Bishop of St. Asaph, exiled by Queen Elizabeth. In April
he left Rome for England. Shortly after landing in his
native country he fell into the hands of the persecutors, was
sentenced to death on 5th of the following February, then
thrown into the pit of Newgate, and loaded with irons for six
days before his execution. On the 12th of February, 1584,
he was hauled out to be dragged to Tyburn, where he was
literally butchered alive, says F. Warford, who adds, that he
was remarkable for his love of virginal purity, and severe to
himself in this point; of moderate stature, a blackish beard,
stern countenance, and yet of a playful temper, most amiable
in conversation, and in every respect exemplary.
Hendren, Joseph William, O.S.F., D.D., and Right Rev.
— Of this learned Franciscan, illustrious prelate, and most
amiable firiend, I can hardly trust myself to write.
He was bom in Birmingham on 19th October, 1791, and
baptized by the Rev. Padficus Nutt, the venerable Franciscan
missioner of that town. On 2nd August, 1806, he received
the Franciscan habit from F. Grafton, and made his profes*
326 BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
sion 19th November, 1807, on which occasion the late pro-*
vincial, but then Bishop CoUingridge (consecrated Bishop of
Thespise on 11th October that year), assisted and preached.
In the beginning of the following summer, his lordship con-
ferred upon him minor orders at Abergavenny. On 15th
October, 1808, the novitiate was removed to Perthyre. Four
years later brother Hendren was sent to Baddesley School to
teaoh Latin, Greek, mathematics, &c. ; and whilst so engaged
was ordained subdeacon by the illustrious Bishop Milner,
at Wolverhampton, on the 4th of April, 1814 (on the very
day that the learned Dr. Weedall was made priest), deacon
on the 26th, and priest on the 28th September, 1815. In
the January following he was sent to Perthyre to teach
philosophy and divinity ; and when the small community was
transferred to Aston, in October, 1818, he was continued in
the same employment until the commencement of 1823,
when the unfortunate determination of ceasing to attempt
the education of Franciscans in England was t^en. I may
mention by the way, that my reverend friend, whilst at
Perthyre had to serve the congregation at Courtfield, a
distance of eleven miles, once a fortnight, during the absence
of the Yaughan family on the Continent; and whilst at
Aston did duty at Swynnerton every Sunday and holiday,
from 16th July, 1820, until the end of April, 1823, when he
was ordered to take charge of Baddesley Academy. His
services were then required for the mission of Abergavenny
in the beginning of 1826, and there he was suffered to remain
for thirteen years, when he was appointed confessor to the
nuns and pensioners of Taunton, and arrived at his destina-
tion on 9th February, 1839. There I had the honour of
forming the acquaintance of this very learned and agreeable
friend, whom to know is to admire and love. In January,
1847, Bishop XJUathorne, V.A. of the Western District,
appreciating the treasure he possessed in this learned and
experienced theologian, selected' him for his grand vicar, and
obtained him for his successor, as Bishop of Uranopol^, by
Bulls bearing date 30th July, 1848. To this see he was
consecrated 10th September that year; for Dr. XJUathorne
had been translated to Birmingham. At the restoration of
the hierarchy. Bishop Hendren was declared Bishop of the
new see of Clifton, on 29th September, 1850. This he held
until 22nd June, 1851, when he was translated to Notting-
ham ; and on 2nd February, 1853, he resigned that appoint-
ment, accepting the see of Martyropolis inpartihu infidelnm.
Since 2nd May, 1853, he has been residing in his native
town, to which he is an ornament. Since his first appoint-*
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 327
ment to the post of grand vicar, in January, 1847> his health
has been much impaired. Wishing him health and every
blessing, I can only add at present, —
^ LauB illi debetar, et a me gratia major.'*
Herict, Gabriel Francois. — ^This edifying French priest
and father of the poor was the pastor of Tor Abbey, as I
well remember, from 2nd June, 1808, imtil June, 1816, when
he quitted for his native country. Shortly after his arrival
he was appointed Cure de Sully, near Bayeux. After dis-
charging the duties of a parish priest for many years in the
most exemplary manner, '' ce vieillard infiniment respect-
able," as Monsieur Guerin described him in a letter, dated
Bayeux, 8rd August, 1842, retired into that city, where he
breathed his last 25th November, 1844, aged eighty-seven.
HiGGS, . — ^All that I could recover firom the late Mr.
Taunton was, that he was the predecessor of F. William
Byfleet, alias Gildon (before the Revolution), in the Chidiock
mission, and that he was a man of unbending resolution.
Hill, alias Turner, Robert. — He was a member of the
respectable family of the Hills of Shilston, near Madbury, and
a secular priest. He was living in 1695, and was intimate at
Tor Abbey.
Hodgson (Maurus), Nicholas, O.S.B., born at Newcastle-
upon-Tyne 9th August, 1815. After studying at Ushaw for
four years, he repaired to Downside in November, 1830, where
he was professed 24th June, 1834, and ordained priest on
8th November, 1840, by Dr. Brown, who had been consecrated
bishop of Wales within the preceding fortnight. This able
religious, who had filled many collegiate offices with the
highest credit, was elected prior of St. Gregory's at the
general chapter held at Downside in July, 1850; but his
humility declined the profiered honour. He was appointed
to the Bath mission in October, 1850 ; but this he quitted,
to the regret of many, five years later, for St. Mary's, Studley,
CO. Warwick.
HoGAN, Patrick Andrew, bom at Limerick 28th Feb-
ruary, 1810; educated at Maynooth; became chaplain at
Upton 1st June, 1836, where he continued until the begin-
ning of the following year. On 11th February, 1837, he
was transferred to the charge of FoUaton, which he sustained
for about eighteen months. Then, after rendering occasional
service to some other missions, he sailed from Plymouth
for Sidney, at the end of November, 1840, with 330 Irish
emigrants under his care.
328 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEKOT.
Holland, Richard, S.J., bom in 1676, in Lancashire;
admitted a novice in 1697, and a professed father in 1716.
For many years, I believe from 1716 till Jnly, 1784, he was the
incumbent of Wardour, daring part of which he was superior
of his brethren, dispersed in the college of St. Francis
Xavier, which included Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Mon-
mouthshire, and South Wales.
It seems the good father retired abroad. He died at Paris
4th July, 1740, set. sixty-four.
Howard, Edward, S. J., whose real name was Holme, was
bom in Lancashire 29th December, 1740; was admitted
at the age of sixteen; accompanied F. Forrester, before men-
tioned, into England, in August, 1767, and like another
Matthijis was sent to replace the unhappy F. Charles Billinge*
at Mosely Hall. After some time he was transferred to
Stape-hill; but in 1786 to Pontefract, where he died 5th.
December, 1809.
Howard, Francis, S.J., elder brother of F. Edward Howard,
bom in May, 1724, for a time was stationed at Lullworth;
but I never could ascertain the period of his service there.
He was also at Richmond, in co. York ; lastly appointed to
Alnwick, perhaps as successor to F. William Strickland.
There the old man rested from his labours on 9th March,
1802, aet. seventy-eight, rel. sixty-two, prof, forty- six.
Howard, John, son of Ralph Holme and Mary Yates,
his wife, bom in Lancashire 18th November, 1764, was ad-
mitted into the English Academy at Liege by lus great-
uncle, F. John Howard, its president. The youth finished
his studies there, and was prefect of the scholars at the emi-
gration to Stonyhurst in the summer of 1794. Soon after
receiving priesthood from Dr. Gibson, bishop of Acanthus
and V.A. of the Northern District, he was sent to Imham,
where he remained the attached chaplain to the Arundell
and Clififord families, until his resignation on 12th May,
1823. After rendering assistance in some minor places, as
far as his broken constitution would permit, he took Monsieur
Begin's duty at Salisbury; but died 8th July, 1826, and was
buried near that worthy abb^ in St. Martin's churchyard in
that city.
* This unfortunate Jesuit, abandoninsr by tepees the duty of vigi-
lance and prayer to gratify his passion for musio and com|)any, fell an
easy victim to temptation, and suiFered the shipwreck of faith. In the
summer of 1767 he read his recantation in Lichfield Cathedral. Per-
haps from that hour no man lived in less repute for the residue of his
days. Obiit apud Wolverhampton ; sepultus 3 Aprilis, 1805, pauper-
rimus.
BIOORAPHICAL LT8T OF THE CLERGY. 829
Hood, Edward Theophiltts, S.J., bom 14th April, 1808.
His father was a clergyman of the Church of England, very
pious in his way, and of a singularly blameless life. At the
Manor House, Chiswick, he received his education under a
gentleman of the name of Home, brother to the late Attorney-
General, Sir William Home. Without proceeding to the
universities, Mr. Hood devoted himself to the study of the law,
and being called in due time to the bar as a member of the
Inner Temple, practised in the Court of Chancery for ten or
twelve years. At the mature age of thirty-seven, after two
years' deliberation, he applied for instmction in the Catholic
faith to F. James BrownbUl, who received him into the Church
on 15th November, 1845. Within six months after, he quitted
London to make a spiritual retreat at Hodder-place, near
Stonyhurst, with a view of ascertaining whether he had a
vocation to the religious state, or at least to the priesthood.
It ended in his being a candidate for admission into the
Society of Jesus. His wish was granted, and after the two
years' probation he pronounced the scholastic vows on 16th
April, 1848. After three years' study of divinity he was
ordained priest on 24th August, 1850. For some time after
he was stationed at St. Mary's, Westminster, a mission
that had been consigned to the charge of the Jesuits by
Cardinal Wiseman ; but when his health began to fail from
over exertion in his arduous duties, he was translated to
Wardour, where he continued to labour for about eighteen
months, when his business-like habits recalled him to London
in the autumn of 1855, as successor to F. George Jenkins in
the important office of procurator of the English province of
the society.
HosKiNs (Martin), Thomas, bom at Chilcompton, oo.
Somerset, 11th November, 1825; baptized at Downside two
days later; left England for the Benedictine College at
Douay, in February, 1847, to study for the Church; but
quitted for Yalladolid six years later. In that city he was
promoted to subdeaoonship 10th June, 1854, and three
months later to deaconship. On 22nd September, 1855, he
was ordained priest. Within a month he left Spain for
England, and reached Prior-park on 31st October. But on
the breaking up of that establishment he became assistant
missioner at Plymouth on 11th January, 1856, the duties of
which he diligently performed until his removal to Wey-
mouth on 26th July.
HowARDEN, Joseph, O.S.B., bom near Wigan in 1778;
succeeded the Rev. John Brindle, of the same order, in 1801j
880 BIOORAFHICAL LIST OF THB CLBaOT.
at Bonhanij where he also kept a school for young gentlemen^
but from misconduct was obliged to resign in March, 1823.
Qui ezistimat se stare, videat ne cadat.
Almighty God, in his mercy, visited the unfortunate man
with an alarming illness. In his imminent danger he was
visited by a co^frire, the Rev. Joseph Wilson, the then
assistant priest of Bath, whose zeal and charity moved him
to repentance and to a separation from the occasion of sin.
On the 29th of January, 1840, the poor culprit made and
signed the following declaration : " I, Joseph Howarden,
being now in my senses, and in the presence of Almighty
Qod, do solemnly declare these to be my true and real senti-
ments of heart and mind. Fearing God's judgments, and
expecting soon to be summoned before His dreaa tribunal, I
wish to make every satisfaction and atonement in my power
for my past disreputable and sinful life to the Holy Church,
whose discipline I have violated, and whose precepts I have
contemned — to the Benedictine body, which I have scan-
dalized by the public violation of my sacred vows, which at
the altar I swore to observe faithfully till death. I call God
to witness that I retract most solemnly all mj infidelities,
disobedience, and scandals which I have committed against
His Holy Church and her precepts. I am sorry from my
heart for having broken my vows; and, if God spare my life,
I will embrace the first opportunity to return to every duty
required by my superior the president, and do penance to
the best of my power. I freely offer myself into the hands
of the president, and promise entire obedience to him, should
he deem me worthy to be again united to the Benedictine
fold. I beg pardon of the Church in general for all my
scandals, and of my Benedictine brethren in particular, as
well as of the flock once committed to my charge, and of the
whole world. I beseech every cof^hre to pray, that God in
his mercy would forgive me all my grievous sins and offences
through Jesus Christ our Lord. May God have mercy upon
my soul 1 Amen. *' Joseph Howarden.^'
Signed in the presence of Josepb Wilson, January 29, 1840.
'^ I hereby empower the said Joseph Wilson to make what
use he may deem fit of this document, to show forth to the
Church and the body of my profession my sincere repentance,
and give glory to God for His merciful interposition in my
behalf notwithstanding my great unworthiness. The said
Joseph Wilson has also full powers to alter the above docu-
ment in the manner he may judge proper more fully to
express my real sentiments."
BIOeRAPHICAL LIST OV THE CLSEOT« 881
'' I hereby atteat that my unfortunate cor^rhre, J. Howarden^
freely and sincerely assented to all and every particular of
the above document, and that he gave me full liberty to
make the use I might judge most fit to remove all the scandal
his dereliction of duty had caused to the Church. I certify
that he put his signature with all the ardour of his soul.
His infirm state of health, and almost total blindness, will
explain the imperfection of the writing of his name. I
visited him, having full powers from Dr. Baines of absolving
all irregularities, excommunications, and suspensions, or any
censures he might have any ways incurred. On this day, the
feast of St. Francis de Sales, 1840, he completed his confes-
sion and prayer for the absolution of his Church, which, in
the name of God, I pronounced over him.
''JosBFH Wilson, O.S.B."
'' May God be praised for all his mercies to the children
of men! ^'
I regret to add, that he fell away again, after signing the
foregoing document ; but I trust in the infinite mercies of
God, that his end was peace, for he was certainly attended
on his death-bed by that pious and zealous priest Canon
Parfitt. He died at Hinton, near Bath, on Easter Monday,
21st April, 1851, aged seventy-eight.
Hull, Fbancis, O.S.B., of Devonshire, professed at Dieul-
wart; a man of excellent parts, and an eminent spiritualist,
according to Weldon, so often cited. He ended his days
at St. Male's, in 1645, and was buried near the pulpit of
the Benedictine Church there.
Hunt, Joseph, veri Beaumont, son of John and Elizabeth
Beaumont, of Stone Easton, bom 22nd May, 1762 ; went to
Douay College with Dr. Coombes (see Coombes) ; was filling
the confidential post of procurator at the seizure of the
coUege by the French authorities in 1798, and consigned to
prison with many of his cot^hrea. On being restored to
liberty, he returned to England in March, 1795. In Part I.,
p. 184, 1 have related some further details of his life ; sujBELce
it to add here, that religion is indebted to him for founding
in great measure the mission of Shortwood, and that he
served it diligently until March, 1838, when he retired to
Clifton, where he finished his useful but unostentatious
course, on Ist December that year, set. seventy-seven.
HusENBETH, FREDERICK Charles, D.D., SOU of Mr. Frcdc-
33S£ BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLIBOY.
rick Charles Husenbeth^ and his wife Elizabeth James,
was bom in Bristol 30th May, 1796. From a letter dated
Bristol, 15th February, 1821, addressed to me by his worthy
father, I learn the following particulars : — " My dear son, I
firmly believe, has been chosen by Providence from a child,
to become a faithful teacher of truth. None of my family
recollect his ever having given offence to the most menial of
my servants ; but much less to his parents. At the age of
six years and eleven months I sent him to Sedgley Park
school, with an intention of having him educated for trade.
Having myself had the benefit of education, and finding he
was endowed with the best natural abilities, and an early
and assiduous application, I gave him every opportunity of
calling into action his juvenile genius, which, under the pious
care of the late Bev. Thomas Southworth, began to shine
conspicuously in every branch of the education given at
Sedgley Park. At the age of nearly fourteen I took him to
my counting-house, having had the flattering testimony from
Mr. Southworth, that Frederick was the only boy who never
stood in need of correction during the whole time he was at
the school. He remained in my counting-house to the age
of nearly seventeen, and performed his duties as a child and
as an excellent accountant, when by a letter he opened his
intentions, to which, idthough reluctantly, I acceded ; and
he returned to his studies 29th April, 1813, in which he
made such progress, that Dr. Milner and his superiors found
him useful in the sciences necessary for his calling as a
churchman, and also in his other accomplishments, such as
music and painting, in both of which he is very clever. At
his late tour to the Alps for six months, he took about
twenty or thirty views firom nature. He is now fixed at
Cossey, and, by his own desire, has a cottage allowed him
in the village instead of living at the hall, and I hope he
will do all the good he can.'' In addition to these details I
may add, that he was ordained priest by Bishop Milner at
Oscott, on 26th February, 1820 ; that he reached Cossey on
his father's birthday, 7th July of the same year, having pre*
viously for a short time served Stourbridge mission; that he
built and opened St. Walstan's Church, at Cossey, on 26th
* This reBpected friend was bom at Mentz on 7th July, 1765 ; and was
educated in early life amongst the JesuitSy la whose order he had two
relations, who were professed fathers. To perfect himself in English,
he placed himself at Dr. Ireland's academy at Brislington, near Bristol,
in December, 1787» and three years later set up as a merchant in Bristol,
where h^ died on 15th March, 1848. His wife, a convert, died 29th
June, 1816, ct forty-three, and, with her son George, was boried in the
lobby of St. Joseph's Chapel.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT. 838
May, 1841 ; that the bishop entertained snch an opinion of
his solid learning as to have appointed him grand vicar as
early as 1827 ; that on 7th JuTy^ 1850^ he was awarded the
degree of D.D. ; that he was appointed provost of the chapter
of Northampton on 24th June^ 1852; and that his numerous
publications point him out as an able divine, and a scholar of
deep research, taste, and erudition. He is '' left now the last
of his family and even name upon the earth/' as he has
stated to me more than once ; adding, in the words of the
P&almist, cxl., '* Singulariter sum ego, donee transeam/'
HussET, Edward, O.S.B., elder brother of Giles Hussey,
the eminent painter, whom Hutchins (Hist, of Dorset, vol. ii.
p. 500) calls " a living honour to the country,*' was bom at
Mamhull. After serving Flixton, he came into Devonshire,
in 1752, and seems to have spent two years in assisting the
Catholics of Exeter and the South Hams. He then went to
the Hydes of Marlborough, Wilts ; finally^ retired to Mam-
hull, where he ran out his lengthened course 25th February,
1786.
HussET, James, bom 21st April 1765, was educated at
Liege, and taught with credit there and at Stonyhurst. On
2l8t November, 1797, he arrived at Shepton M^lett, as suc-
cessor to the liev. John Brewer. There he laid the founda-
tion of the new Fresbytere and chapel in a field he purchased,
on 15th November, 1801, which was opened for public
worship on 29th April, 1804. He rested from his labours on
80th August, 1810, aged forty-five, and lies on the south
side of the parish church cemetery.
I.
Illingworth, Jacob, bom 9th Febmary, 1810, in Bolton,
CO. Lancaster; he removed with the family to Blackburn,
and was brought up in error; but at the age of thirteen was
sent to Ampleforth College, where he was received into the
Church, and finished a course of humanities. In 1830 he
transferred himself to Frior-park, and was so actively engaged
in the arduous duties of teaching in that college, that at his
own request he was not ordained subdeacon until 1834,
deacon in 1837^ and priest in 1852. At length he was trans-
ferred to the Cannington mission; but in his s^eal he
commenced a new chapel at Bridgewater, which he opened
on 17th February, 1846, and for one year served both places.
His services were then required for Prior-park, and were
continued until 1850^ when he was appointed assistant priest
834 BIOQRAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROY,
at St. Mary's, Bristol. At midsummer, 1852, he was recalled
to Prior-park to fill the office of vice-president ; but since
1st September, 1853, has been charged with the laborious
mission of St. Nicholas, Bristol.
Inglebt, Thomas, S.J. — He was admitted into the order
7th September, 1703, and at the usual period of eighteen
years was aggregated to the professed fathers. For some
time he filled the office of pastor at Lullworth ; but retired
from that situation about the year 1728. He died at Paris
on 12th November, 1729, aged forty-five.
Innes, Henry, of Ballogie, near Aberdeen. Early in
life he went to France, and for many years occupied a pro-
minent situation in the Scotch College of Paris. In 1789
he succeeded the Rev. Robert Plowden at Arlington ; but in
consequence of his patron's abjuration of the Catholic faith^
he left for Calverleigh, near Tiverton, where he resided for
seven years. Returning then to Scotland, where he had a
decent patrimony, he lived to the advanced age of eighty-
six, dying at Ballogie in the winter of 1833. The Edinburgh
Journal, in reporting his death, stated that " Mr. Innes was
a man of great benevolence, superior attainments, and most
agreeable manners in society .''
IsHEBwooD, Richard, O.S.B., of co. Lancaster ; professed
at Lambspring 27th June, 1685; served Leighland for a
time. Obiit 14th April, 1745.
IvERS, William, in the early part of the year 1837. This
zealous priest, commiserating the forlorn condition of many
Irish travellers and labourers in and around Penzance, who
lay like sheep without a shepherd nearer than Falmouth,
seated himself amongst them, and gave them the benefit of
his ministerial services. After a trial of some months, neces-
sity compelled him to leave the vineyard. — (See Part I.^
p. 31.)
J.
Jackson, John, a secular priest of distinguished reputation,
and as such was appointed, in August, 1623, by Dr. William
Bishop, Episcopus Chalcedonensis, as his lordship's grand
vicar for the west of England, and archdeacon of Wilts and
Hants. According to Dodd (vol. iii. p. 88), ''he was pos-
sessed of a handsome patrimony, and living otherwise quali-
fied, stood candidate for a mitre in 1635, being then sixty
years of age.'' From that period I lose sight of him.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLEROT. 836
Jenison, Augustin, S.J./ born at Lower Walwortli, near
Darlington, 20th April, 1735 ; at the age of twenty placed
himself amongst the novices at Watten. Soon aiter his
promotion to holy orders, he was sent to the Ellingham
mission in 1763, where at length his character for immorality
gave cause for suspicion. Removed to Wardour in 1771, for
some time his conduct was edifying ; but growing careless of
watchfulness and prayer, he yielded to the secret passion,
and suffered the shipwreck of faith ; and the congregation of
Wardour assembling for Mass on a Sunday in October, 1774,
was filled with consternation at the news of his then reading
his recantation in Lower Donhead Church. Towards his noble
patron Henry, eighth Lord Arundell, his conduct was sullied
with the foulest ingratitude. Threatened with a prosecution
for ^' scandalum magnatum,'' he hurried away into Scotland,
where fanaticism received him with open arms; for a time
he settled at Aberdeen, where he was prodigiously followed
as a preacher. It seems that he subsequently obtained a
more lucrative preferment near Edinburgh ; but by a special
mercy of Grod, the poor sinner, in the very pulpit, felt at
once the misery of his position — ^to use his own expression,
in a letter which Bishop Milner saw (see his lordship^s last
pastoral, dated Wolverhampton 1st February, 1826) — "he
suffered a hell upon earth.'' Docile to the invitation of grace,
which admits not of procrastination, " Nescit tarda molimina
Sancti Spiritus gratia,'' the prodigaJ separated himself from
the occasion of sin, renounced all his worldly comforts and
prospects, withdrew to St. Omer's College, where he passed
the last nine years of his life, until December, 1793, in
compunction and perpetual penance. ''Qui seminant in
lachrymis in exultatione metent." — ^Fsalm cxxv.
JjSNisoN, James, S. J., a younger brother of the preceding,
but entered the Society with him 7th September, 1755.
For a time he was chaplain to the family of Porter, who
rented Admiral Sawbridge's house and grounds near Wel-
lington ; and for a short time supplied at Wardour after his
brother's abrupt and scandalous withdrawal. He died at
Bath 22nd January, 1799, set. sixty-two.
Jenison, John, S. J., the eldest and by far the most bril-
liant of the three Jesuit brothers, and perhaps the best
classic scholar of his time in the English province. To him
Canon Thomas Phillips addressed his " Letter to a Student
at a Foreign University on the Study of Divinity," London,
1756, 8vo. pp. 126. In 1759 he succeeded F. R. Constable
836 BIOOHAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEROT.
as pastor at Wardour^ and at the neighbouring mission at
Bonham was enrolled amongst the professed fathers of the
Society on 2nd February, 1763. Within nine years he
quitted Wardour to go to Preston, from which he decamped^
in 1776, for the Continent. He outliyed his intellects,
dying in the Liege asylum 27th December^ 1792^ ffit. eighty-
four.
Jenison^ Michael^ S.J., perhaps uncle to the three pre-
ceding Jesuits^ for a considerable period was chaplain to the
Webbs at Canford. Retiring to Watten, the venerable man
closed his mortal career 17th November, 1735, set. eighty,
rel. sixty, prof, forty-two.
Jenkins (Jerome), John, O.S.B. — An honoured name
amongst his brethren. He was bom at Sedgley, co. Stafford,
25th August, 1796. On 5th September, 1803, piety led him
to the Benedictine College at Acton Burnell; on 8th
January, 1812, he took their holy habit, and was professed
on 12th January of the year next ensuing. Four years later
he removed with the community to Downside, and was
admitted to subdeaconship on 29th June, 1818; to deacon-
ship 22nd August, 1819; and to priesthood 23rd December,
1820, by Bishop Poynter, at St. Edmund's. His first mission
was Woolton; and after a few years he was appointed
to Standish, when, at the express solicitation of the late
Mrs. Wakeman, he was transferred to Little Malvern. His
respected superior, F. Birdsall, then chose this active and
talented monk for his associate at Cheltenham. In the
seventh chapter of the First Part, I have enlarged on his
invaluable services to the Bath mission. Bungay and Red-
ditch are also indebted to his pastoral exertions ; but since
12th December, 1851, the Convent at Taunton has had the
comfort of possessing him as their chaplain and spiritual
guide.
JoHNsoK, David, S.J., whose true name was Maghee,
was bom in Ireland 22nd February, 1737; entered the
novitiate at Watten at the age of eighteen, and to his reli-
gious merits added the distinction of eminence in polite and
classical literature. In 1764 he was appointed pastor of the
Arlington mission, whose patron, John Chichester, Esq.,
showed himself unconscious and undeserving of the treasure
and resource he might have possessed in such a chaplain and
companion. Death released this meritorious father from his
comfortless situation there on 8th November, 1768.
Johnson, William, S. J., younger brother of the present
provincial, F. Joseph Johnson, was bom at Liverpool in
BIOO&A?HICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 337
1812, and entered the Society 2l8t September, 1829. After
serring the Preston mission since December 8th, 1849, he
has been stationed at St. Joseph's Chapel, the original mis-
sion of Bristol. He must be gratified with the progress of
religion, for at the Easter of 1856 he had upwards of
2,000 communicants.
Johnson, William, was bom at Hindley, co. Lancaster,
and educated partly at Stonyhurst, Ampleforth, and Prior-
park. He was ordained deacon on 12th March, 1853, and
priest on 21st September following. He is at present assistant
at St. Mary's, Bristol.
Jones, Charles, of Wolverhampton, whose four brothers,
educated at Oscott, all took to the Church, was appointed
assistant chaplain to the Bev. Joseph Lee, at Spetisbury^
Soon after his arrival there, he was taken ill, and dying on
4th November, 1827, aged forty-three, was buried in the
conventual cemetery.
Jones, John. — ^This worthy priest of Douay College long
served the Monmouth mission, and twice, as I have men-
tioned in Part I. Chapter XII., rendered valuable assistance
at Oloucester. Betiring from the heat and burden of mis-
sionary duty to Manchester, he was called to his recompense
on 11th March, 1840, set. eighty-one, and was interred in
St. Patrick's churchyard.
Jonis, alias George Henry John, S.J. — For many years
this Belgian father was director to the English Theresian
nuns at Hoogstraet (see Part I. p. 129), and emigrated with
them in July, 1794. He continued with them until his
pious death at Great Canford, 9th July, 1796. From the
parish register I collect he was buried on 12th July.
JossE, L. (Augustin), a much-respected French abb^, who
accepted the charge of the Gloucester mission in February,
1828, and held it until three days before his lamented death,
which occurred on 28th January, 1841, at the venerable age
of seventy-eight. He was buried in the vault of his former
friend and predecessor there, I'Abb^ Giraud, in the cemetery
of St. John the Baptist's church.
Keart, Henry. — In the Tipperary Vindicator of 30th
May, 1848, it is stated that this parish priest, of Killeen, near
Nenagh, in the diocese of Killaloe, had resigned his living,
and taken leave of his flock, to proceed to a foreign mission.
338 BIOOAAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLSKOY.
and that his departure was deeply and generally regretted.
But lie was prevailed upon to accept the vacant mission of
Tiverton, where he arrived on 15th July that year, and served
it until Christmas without having received any salary from
Prior-park. Salisbury then had the benefit of his services.
On 22nd March, 1850, he proceeded to Axminster, but quitted
for Stonyhurst 12th October, 1851. On 4th March, 1852,
he went to St. Patrick's, Manchester. This did not suit;
but where he is now I know not.
Kelly, Lewis. — This worthy Irish priest was bom about
the year 1820; studied at St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny,
and was ordained on 4th of August, 1844. On 9th June,
1854, he came to Plymouth to assist that important congre*
gation, but now is chaplain at Trelawny, and also attends
Liskeard.
Kelly, Patrick, bom 19th Febmary, 1797, in the diocese
of Clonfert. Quitting Tawstock 3rd October, 1844, after
about two years' residence, he proceeded to Shortwood, but
left within a twelvemonth, when he started for Ireland, and
thence to Borne. On his return, he went to Fairford in
May, 1848, and served it conjointly with Swindon until 2nd
January, 1849, when he reached Axminster. A year later
he got to Salisbury; soon after to Lyme, which he quitted,
and the district also, in October, 1853.
Kendall (Nicholas), James, O.S.B., an honoured name
amongst his Isrethren, bom 2nd April, 1806, in Kensington-
square, London; took the Benedictine habit 12th March,
1824; was ordained priest in September, 1831; began the
charge of the Downside mission first Sunday of Lent, 1837 ;
served Cheltenham for at least two years and a half, from
February, 1850, to July, 1852; since which time he has
been stationed at Redditch.
Kendall, Thomas, S.J. — ^AU that I can glean of him is,
that he was a native of Devonshire, that he enlisted under
the standard of St. Ignatius in 1635, and that he died at
Madrid 2nd July, 1672, set. sixty.
Kennt, Edward. — This zealous and able Irish priest, after
rendering valuable service for some years at Poole and at
Spetisbury, was requested by the bishop to take charge of
the faithful of Penzance.
Kensington, Edward, S.J., of Lancashire, whose real name
was Laithwaite. He was younger brother of Thomas, who
after his conversion went to Seville, where he was ordained
priest, and sent to the mission in the spring of 1604.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 339
Landing at Plymoutb, he was apprehended^ and committed
to the county jail, then under the castle of Exeter. After
spending three months in that sink of profligacy and misery,
Thomas was arraigned at the Lammas assizes, and was con-
demned to death for his priesthood, on the testimony of a
man who swore to having seen him celebrate Mass at
St. Lucar. Edward, the subject of this memoir, was a most
bigoted Protestant ; on hearing of his brother's imprisonment
and condemnation, he hurried down to reclaim his unfortunate
brother from the errors of Popery, and the magistrates wit-
nessing his enthusiastic zeal allowed him free access to his
priestly brother. But at the end of eight days he became
satisfied that he was combating shadows instead of sub-
stances, — ^that he had mistaken for Catholic doctrines the
base misrepresentations and calumnies of the enemies of Ood's
Church. The discovery of such unjustifiable practices served
as a beacon to direct him through the suites of error, and to
lift him upon the rock of truth. By the end of the Christmas
holidays be himself was reconciled to the Catholic Church.
Impressed with the mercy extended to him, he sought, like
another St. Paul, to become the instrument of salvation to
others. After studying for some time at Douay College, that
storehouse of learning, piety, and martyrdom, he proceeded
to Brome in 1608. After his ordinations, he came on the
English mission. Devonshire, where he had been favoured
with the light of faith, now profited of his ardent zeal to
propagate it ; and this laborious champion — " laboriosus
athleta,^' as F. More styles him in his History, p. 392 — sur-
rendered his life, full of merits, on 24th June, 1643, set. sixty-
one. Bel. twenty-seven, prof, fift^een. — (See also Part First,
Chapter I., page 5.)
Kenton (Anselm), Thomas, O.S.B., took the habit in
1786. I meet with him as missionary at Beckford in 1840;
he died at Stanbrooke on 28th July, 1850, set. seventy-nine.
Kerin, Joseph. — This yoimg and promising priest of the
London District, for the benefit of his health came to the
west, and accepted the charge of the Tawstock mission from
August, 1849, until February, 1850. On 26th October, 1851,
at the early age of forty-two, he was released from pain, and
was fit for Heaven.
Keynes, Alexander, S.J., of Somersetshire, and of a
family fruitful in ecclesiastics and religious ladies. He
enteiisd the novitiate of Watten on the evening of 11th
November, 1669. After many years of labour in England
z 2
8iO BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGT.
he retired to Ghent, where he died in peace on 7th June,
1713, set. seventy-one.
Keynes, Charles, S.J., a young Jesuit of great promise.
Soon after his appointment to the professorship of logic at
Liege, he was hurried to an early tomb on 20th September,
1673.
Keynes, Edward, S. J., died a victim of charity 27th July,
or 6th August, 1665, during the plague in London, aet. fifty-
seven, soc. thirty-eight.
Keynes, George, S.J. — ^There were two of this name in
the Society. The senior, who is described as " a prudent and
most virtuous man, and a general favourite,'^ died at St.
Omer's, late in 1611. The junior, ordained in 1654 (the
translator of the " Marty rologium Romanum'^), sailed in
December that year for the Chinese mission, and died in the
Philippine Islands in 1658.
Keynts, John, S.J., born at Compton Painsford, co.
Somerset, whom Dodd, Hist. vol. iii. p. 315, incorrectly calls
James. In the Collectanea S.J. p. 126, I have given a full
report of this zealous and charitable missioner, polite
scholar, able divine, and discreet superior and provincial
in very critical and eventful times. But he lived to God
and for God, and could say with David, " Dominus mihi
adjutor, non timebo quid faciat mihi homo." — (Ps. cxvii.)
This great and good man died at Watten 15th May, 1697^
aet. seventy-three, soc. fifty-two.
Keynes, Maurice, S.J., entered the order in 1616; said
his first Mass at the Gesu, in Rome, 2nd December, 1634;
served the English mission for nine years ; recalled to Liege
to teach philosophy and moral divinity ; but died in his native
country Ist February, 1654, set. sixty-one.
Keynes, Maximilian, S.J., became a novice in 1674; for
many years he was employed in the cultivation of the English
vineyard ; at length, being allowed to retire to Watten, he there
surrendered his soul to his Creator on 3rd March, 1720, aet,
sixty-eight.
Kington (Pacificus), Thomas, O.S.P., born at Warwick,
This very amiable religious, whilst confessor to the Poor
Clares at Aire, in Artois, was arrested in the beginning of
the French revolution and consigned to the jail, and would
have been guillotined on 28th July, 1794, if the tyrant
Robespierre had not been executed on the preceding
day. In fact, in Coghlan's Directory for 1795, p. 14, he is
reported to have been ^' guillotined for having ventured to
BIOGE^FHICAL LIST OF THE CL15BOY. 341
exercise his spiritual functions/' On returning to England^
afler some time he was appointed chaplain at Taunton Lodge^
where I had the comfort of meeting him in November, 1810.
Retiring therefrom in 1812, he died 18th February, 1827,
fiet. seventy-three.
King, alias Scott, Richard, O.S.B., of Somersetshire.—
From F, Weldon's " Chronological Notes," I learn that this
good religious died suddenly at Sir Francis Dorrington's
house in that county, on his return from Wells to his resi-
dence at Leighland, on 2nd July, 1664,
Knight, George, S.J., third son of Henry Knight, of
Cannington, Esq., by his wife Elizabeth Blake, was born
12th January, 1733 ; began his noviceship in 1754; for soma
time was employed in the Cornish mission. He died suddenly
at Courtfield on 25th May, 1790.
Knight, James, S. J., eldest son of James Knight, of Can-
nington, Esq., by his wife Mary Diana Rowe, bom at Can-
nington 20th July, 1780; at the age of thirty-six quitted the
profession of the law for the religious state. In due time
he was promoted to holy orders, and said his first Mass at
Fribourg on Whitsunday, 6th June, 1824. Courtfield was
his first mission. On 26th August, 1830, he was transferred
to Soberton. When that mission was removed to Tunbridge
(where its new chapel was opened 17th July, 1838), F. Knight
repaired to Stonyhurst, and thence to Chipping, where
apoplexy carried him off on 12th November, 1844.
Knight (Nicholas), William, O.S.F., brother to Greorge>
before mentioned, in early life embraced the order of St.
Francis ; he was elected a definitor on 27th August^ 1788, and
when P. Nutt died at Birmingham, 27th September, 1799, was
called upon to supply the residue of his term of provincialship,
and at the chapter of 1800 was himself chosen provincials
At the expiration of his triennium, he retired to Osmotherly,
where he resigned his soul to God on 1st April, 1806, aet*
seventy-six.
Knight, William, S.J., son of Henry Knight, of Axnun-
ster, Esq., by his wife Mary Barne, was born at Axminster
3rd August, 1813 ; after studying at Stonyhurst, he joined the
novices at the age of nineteen ; was ordained priest at Stony*
hurst 21st September, 1839, and after saying Mass on the
following day in the College Church, was despatched at once
to the I^eston mission. There he laboured with indefatigable
zeal, until ordered to replace F. Mahon, in Trenchard-street^
BhstoL
342 BIOOaAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLSRGT.
Lact^ Oeoroe Michael^ S.J.^ born at Bristol 23rd April,
1793; educated at Stonyhurst; for many years was chap-
lain at Wingerworth, co. Derby, where he died of an enlarge-
ment of the heart on 16th November, 1836.
Lapfan, William. — A native of the county of Tipperary,
studied in Drumcondra College, Dublin, was ordained priest
in Pentecost, 1852, and since September of that year
has laboured in the diocese of Plymouth. Penzance has at
present the benefit of his zealous services.
Lallart, John, S.J. — ^The first priest that I find attached
to Bristol was this Jesuit, soon after the accession of
King George II. ; but I cannot ascertain the period of his
services. He died at Boulogne on 25th September, 1743^
set. fifty-one, soc. twenty-eight.
Lambert, George, S.J., of Norwich; educated at Stony-
hurst; joined the society in 1840; for some months in 1855
was the assistant priest at Wardour, until replaced by
F. Henry Walmesley on 20th October of that year.
Lancaster, Joseph, S.J., whose real name was La Motte,
bom 13th July, 1712, was an alumnus of the English College
at Bome, and joined the society in 1734. He succeeded F.Lodge
in the Cornish mission in 1764, after he had discharged the
ofiice of penitentiary at Loretto for some years, and finally,
was stationed at Slate Delf, near Chorley, where death closed
his eyes on 17th September, 1772.
Lanquetuit, Pierre. — ^This good abb^, after the French
Revolution, established himself at Poole as a teacher of the
French language, and in his zeal for religion, with the as-
sistance of Thomas Weld, Esq., who died 1st August, 1810,
and of Lady Mannock, who departed in peace 18th April,
1814 (a benefactress to the amount of £800), began the
Poole mission, which he conducted with credit until his return
to France in October, 1820.
Larkan, John, bom at Newton, near Carrick-on-Suir,
3rd September, 1804; educated partly at St. John's College,
Waterford, and partly at Rome ; but was ordained priest at
Prior-park in December, 1830. His first mission was at
Westbury, near Bristol, at Pentecost, 1831. Here he was
suffered to remain in peace above a year and a half, when he
was doomed to run the gauntlet of our missions. On 4th
January, 1832,he was transferred to Cannington; on 25th April,
1834, was removed to Axminster ; and on 19th July, 1834^
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF TBS CLERGY. 848
vas ordered to Torquay, to supply daring Rev, J. M'Enery's
absence for the benefit of his health. In April, 1885, he was
despatched to Follaton, where he was to continue until 18th
November, 1836. Obedience then summoned him to Taw-
stocky where he was, after a short interval of repose, allowed
to continue from 20th September, 1837, to 20th of April,
1838. Thence he was appointed to Shortwood. Here his
health and spirits literally broke down for some time, when for
his recovery he was permitted to spend some months at Prior-
park, and to supply, at Mamhull, for the Easter of 1839;
but as soon as the restored tone of his constitution and
spirits would admit, he returned to the solitude of Shortwood.
In May, 1841, he accepted the Mauritius mission oflfered him
by Bishop Collier. In a letter which this dear friend wrote
to me on 1st June, 1841, on board the ship Tanjore, Cap-
tain M'Leod, he says : —
'' In about an hour we go down the Thames, commencing
our long voyage. Our little party consists of Bishop Collier
and four priests, two of whom are French. Finding myself
in delicate health and unequal to the efficient discharge of
the duties of an English mission, I acceded to Bishop Collier's
application to accompany him to the Mauritius, in hopes of
re-establishing my health in a warmer climate. At first
Dr. Baines was unwilling that I should leave the Western
District, but afterwards complied with Dr. CoUier^s request.
I subjoin his Exeat : * Cum a nobis petierit Rev*""'* Ged.
Bern. Collier, Vic. Ap. Insulae Mauritii, ut liceat tibi
Rev***' Frater ex nostro districtu exire, et sub ejus juris-
dictione Missioni Apostolicse inservire, nos venerabili con-
fratri nostro morem gerere, tuseque infirmae valetudini
consulere cupientes, libenter tibi licentiam concedimus
ex Vicariatu nostro exeundi et dicto Rev"**- Ep"*" te sub-
jiciendi, declarantis. Te semper bonis moribus fuisse
instructum, summumque zelum in missionarii munere pera-
gendo exercuisse. Quapropter omnia tibi bona exoptantes,
Benedictionem Apostolicam peramanter impertimur.' ''
For full seven years he continued to labour in the Mau-
ritius to the great satisfaction of its bishop. Late in 1848
he returned to England, but without the renovated constitu-
tion we had hoped for. After a short period spent at St.
Edmund's College, Herts, he was appointed assistant to
the Rev, Edward Culler, at Brighton ; but to the grief of his
flock and of the public he was found dead in his bed on 4th
February, 1860, holding St. Luke's Gospel in his hand.
His solemn funeral on the 7th of February was described in
the Brighton Herald; but the editor strai^ely confounds
844- BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROT.
him with Rev. John Larkin^ S. J.^ bom at BAvensworth, co»
Durham^ 2nd February^ 1801^ and at present alive.
Well knowing my reverend friend during the ten years he
was serving our Western missions, I may be allowed to add^
that I have rarely met a more talented, modest, self-denying,
conciliating priest — one more deeply endued with the apo-
stolic spirit.
Laurenson, James, S.J. — This best of my friends, of sixty
years' standing, ^'animae dimidium meae,'' was bom at Witham,
Essex, 8th September, 1781 ; and was educated partly at Liege
and partly at Stonyhurst. Devoting himself to God and
religion, after rendering invaluable service to his college in
the capacity of prefect and deputy procurator, he was ap-
pointed successor to the Rev. Felix Vauquelin in the Ugbrooke
mission, which he reached, to my great joy, on 27th Sep-
tember, 1816. For full fourteen years and a quarter he
superintended with pastoral solicitude his rapidly increasing
flock, and published a very useful vade mecum, entitled
'' The Scriptural Evidence of the True Catholic Faith,'' a
12mo. of 140 pages, in the year 1822. To the regret of his
flock, and a numerous acquaintance of all denominations, he
quitted Ugbrooke on 10th January, 1831, to take charge of
the faithful at Lincoln, where he arrived on the 26th of that
month and year. Here also he was doing incredible good,
when his friend Everard, the tenth Lord Arundell, who
knew and appreciated his merits, importuned his superiors to
transfer him to the important mission of Wardour. His
lordship's wish was granted, and my old friend reached his
destination on 23rd June, 1832. On 4th November that
year he presented to Bishop Baines for confirmation no less
than 166 persons. By his tact, industry, and judicious
system of management, he improved the temporalities of the
place, the comforts of his residence, and the resources of the
poor-school : and he succeeded in attaching to the mission a
convenient and spacious cemetery, which was opened with im-
posing solemnity on 1st January, 1836, to the unfeigned
satisfaction and joy of the spectators and friends of religion.
But after twenty-one years and nearly a half of incessant
labour, this model of pastors was unceremoniously parted
with by the family; and since 18th November, 1853, Wor-
cester possesses the privilege of his ministerial services.
Lawson, Thomas, O.S.B. — This universally-esteemed
religious, after serving the mission, was wisely selected, on
10th May, 1814, to be the first prior of St. Gregory's, at
Downside, of which possession had been taken about a
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 845
fortniglit previously. Resigning his office on 23rd July^ 1818^
he retired to Salford Nunnery, where, to use the words of
St. Maximus, ''Sanctam perfectamque vitam mors Deo
devota condusit/' on 23rd April, 1830.
Lee, John, bom in London 28th August, 1768. He served
Hatherop foi; several years, when he was translated to the
Bavarian Chapel, London, to which he was attached until
his pious death on 13th July, 1839.
N.B. In the Directory of 1831 it is recorded in the
obituary, " 1830. February 6th, the Eev. Francis Leigh,
Hatherop (Douay).''
Lee, Joseph, elder brother of John, the last mentioned,
bom also on 28th August, 1765. Like his brother, he was
educated at Douay College, and succeeded the Rev. Ralph
Southworth at Spetisbury. When Dr. Moulins quitted
Blandford in 1814, this good priest, in his zeal and charity,
charged himself with attending the faithful in Blandford
also. For several^ years before his death he was tried by
severe bodily suffering ; but meekly departed to our Lord on
Monday morning, 20th January, 1840.
Lempfrid, Prosper, O.S.B., bom at Leixham, in Lorraine,
23rd June, 1809 ; was professed in the order of Bedemp-
torists, 8th December, 1833, and was ordained priest on
18th February, 1837. He is connected with the west by
his appointment to the Falmouth mission, where he arrived
on 16th June, 1843; but, to the regret of many, left in
August, 1844. He is still living in some English mission.
At baptism he had received the additional Christian names
of Augustus Xaverius.
Lenoronne, Charles, born in Normandy 1st January,
1760; for seventeen years he resided at Lanheme, where he
died, as he had lived, the model of the ecclesiastical spirit,
on 9th April, 1823, and was buried in the new cemetery of
the convent.
Lewis, John, alias Kemts, was connected with the Tynte
family, co. Somerset, and was admitted as alumnus of the
English College at Rome in 1653. He was certainly an
inmate chaplain at Tor Abbey before the year 1685. By an
instmment bearing date 26th August, 1708,^ he assigned
* Mr. Lewis's will was made also on 26th August, 1708, and was
proved in the Bishop's Court at Exeter on 9th May, 1709, when admi-
nistration was granted to Martin Giffard, of St. Mangan's, CornwaU,
gentleman.
346 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLKROT.
all his right, title, claim, and interest in and nnto a certain
bond (£600) signed, sealed, and delivered by Edward Cary^
of Tor Abbey, Esq., and George Carey, his son, Gent., for
the following purpose, ** that the principal due on the said
bond shall remain for a perpetual fund, at £5 per cent,
interest, for the maintenance of a priest of the secalar
clergy .'' The obligation which the grantor annexed was,
that "the priest shall at all times assist the present fitmily of
Tor Abbey, and their Catholic successors, provided that they
afford him decent residence, diet, and keeping of a horse.*
Moreover, the priest shall assist such poor Catholics as shall
happen to be in the parishes of Pancras, Parkham, and
thereabouts, when it so happens that the said poor shall not
be otherwise provided for. Moreover, the said priest shall say
one Mass of Requiem upon the day of my death, and seven
more annually for me, the donor, for ever.'' From the
parish register of Tor Mohun I collect that '^ Mr. Lewis, of
Tor Abbey, was buried April 20th, 1709.''
Lewis, Laurence, O.S.B. — All that I can learn of him
is, that he was professed at Dieulwart, and that he died at
Stoke, CO. Gloucester, 3rd Oct. 1633.
Lewis, Thomas, S.J., alias CuLCHETH,t was bom in Lan-
cashire, 21st April, 1741. After studying at Valladolid,
he embraced the Society 28th June, 1763 ; for a time he
assisted as missionary at Lindley, Wappenbury, and War-
dour, and then was stationed at Chidiock, where he resided
for twenty-one years. On the Rev. William Poole's quitting
Exeter in January, 1807, F. Lewis was directed to replace
him until October of that year, when he was succeeded by the
collector of these memoranda, and the venerable father
* I meet with a similar arrangement by Mrs. Poyntz, of Leighland,
made abont twenty years before. She left her estate to her nephew,
Mr. Rowe, subject to the condition of maintaining a Benedictine chap-
lain. If he lived in the house, he was to hare his diet, and a horse kept
free of expense, and a salary of X7 per annum. But should he serve
the place only, and not reside in the house, he was to receive £10
per annum. In either case he was to celebrate a determined number
of Masses. And should the family cease to keep a priest, then X300
were to be paid to th6 Benedictine province.
In the Gary case, as Mr. McEnerv, on his accepting the Tor Abbey
mission in 1£&2, expressed a decided preference to live out of the houae,
the family agreed to raise the stipend from £dO to £60.
t This was once a respectable family in Lancashire, and maintained
a priest. The estate came to the Diconsons, who married Melior Cul-
cheth, a heiress. A branch of the familv is represented by Parmenas
Culcheth Pearce, of Teingbridge House, Devon, Esq., whose mother's
grandfather, William Culcheth, came into this county about the time
of King James II., and died at Kingsteignton lOth December, 1799.
BIOO&APHICAL LIST OF THB CLSBOT. 847
returned to Chidiock. The voice of obedienoe called him
theuce to serve the community at New Hall for a time.
But he was permitted to resume his favourite station at
Chidiock, where he died, honoured and lamented, on 5th
September, 1809. He was borne to his grave in the
Arundell vault of that parish church by six Catholic brothers
of the name of Tucker^ — worthy members of his oongrega^
tion.
Leyne, . — All that I can glean of this wandering
priest is, that he took charge of the Poole congregation in
the summer of 1835, and disappeared after a service of
eleven months.
Lodge, Thomas, S.J., bom 7th July, 1726, and admitted
a novice in 1744. Soon after his promotion to the priesthood^
he was sent to Lanherne, and conciliated general esteem;
but in the mid-career of his usefulness he was cut off, on 6th
January, 1764, by having slept in a damp bed, as I was
informed by the gentleman who superintended his funeral.
Logan, Henry Francis Charles, LL.D., bom at Poole^
9th September, 1800; was educated at Cowbridge Grammar
School, in Glamorganshire, and Corpus .Christi College,
Cambridge; but left without graduating. After his con-
version, he was admitted into the English College at
Rome, where he completed his theological course; but
received the higher orders at Prior-park in the Ember weeks
of Advent, 1830, with the Rev. John Larkan. For some
time he was professor of mathematics at Prior-park, which
he left for St. Mary's, Oscott, where for many years he
rendered important services and filled the office of vice-
president. Ailer serving several missions, he is now stationed
at Cale Hill, Kent.
LoMAx, Charles, S.J., son of Richard Grimshaw Lomax,
of Claytcm Hall, co. Lancaster, Esq., by his wife Catherine
Greaves, bom 8th August, 1810, and educated in the
adjoining college of Stonyhurst ; at the age of seventeen he
enrolled himself amongst the children of St. Ignatius, and
was ordained priest 24th September, 1836. His first mis-
sion was Boston, on 9th May, 1837 ; but within a year and
a half he was transferred to Tunbridge Wells. In February,
1840, he was removed, for the benefit of his health, to
Spinkhill, now St. Marj^'s, the oldest mission of the province;
in September the same year he was chained with Hodder.
In September, 1841, he was transplanted to Worcester ; at
fit the end of a twelvemonth he was started for St. Ignatius's
348 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
Churchy Preston ; within three months later he was placed
at Lydiate; eleven months after he was despatched to St.
Acheul ; eleven months later to Wigan ; and the following
year, on 16th October, 1845, to Ugbrooke, where he found a
place " Ubi requiesceret pes ejus." — (Gen. viii, 9.) In the
First Fart, Chapter III., I have mentioned his successful zeal
for Teignmouth, and I congratulate its people on having now
— since 28th February, 1856 — secured the undivided services
of this apostolic missioner.
LoMAx, William, S. J., the elder brother of F. Charles, as
also of F. Walter Lomax, S.J., was born 26th April, 1804;
was admitted a novice at Mont Rouge, Paris, in 1822;
ordained priest 21st September, 1833; and six days later
made his dibui in the laborious mission of Preston. He is
connected with the West by being made coadjutor to F. James
Laurenson in the care of the Wardour congregation, from 14th
October, 1843, to 7th March, 1845, when he was summoned
to Stonyhurst. Shortly after he was directed to supply at
Richmond, co. York ; thence was transferred to Stockheld ;
but from 12 th January, 1849, was stationed at Ponte-
fract, where this friend of education died on 8th May, 1856.
His funeral, on the 13th, was honourably attended.
LoRYMER, . — ^A gentleman who knew him well
in Cornwall assured me that he was a secular priest, and that
he died at Lanheme in 1762^ I have searched in vain for
further particulars.
LovETT, Albert, O.S.D., resided at Ugbrooke, partly as
tutor to the sons of Hugh, the second Lord Cliflford, and
partially as chaplain. On 25th April, 1738, he was chosen
twelfth provincial of his brethren, and had hardly completed
his qtiadriennium of superiority when he died in London on
1st June, 1742.
LouoHLiN, O*, Peter, bom 4th November, 1792 ; ordained
priest by Archbishop Troy, in Dublin, on 23rd December,
1815 ; for some years was parish priest and grand vicar of
the diocese of Kilfanora and Kilmadugh ; but from bad health
was compelled to resign his appointments. I have seen
Archbishop Murray's commendatory letters of my reverend
friend, dated 6th May, 1834, describing him as " religionis
zelo plenum, fide et morum integritate laudabilem, pietate,
patienti&, cseterisque virtutibus Christianis et ecclesiasticis
praeditum.'^ In the hope that the Devonshire air might
revive him, he accepted the easy mission of Axminster, where
he arrived on 8th October, 1834; but his state of health
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY. 849
obliged him to cease from attempting its dutiels just before
Christmas. How he still survives is idmost miracolous. He
may truly say, '* Quotidie morior.'*
Lynass, John (Benedict), bom at St. Helen's 6th August,
1823; professed at Ampleforth 15th August, 1843. Soon
after his ordinations, he was sent to Cheltenham late in 1851 ;
but his stay was short. He is now serving Leyland mission,
near Preston.
Lynch, Thomas, bom at Loughrea, Galway, in 1802 ; was
ordained at Maynooth in 1829. After serving Spetisbury
and Salisbury, he became the incumbent of Axminster on
10th September, 1852. Here he gave much satisfaction by
his blameless life ; but getting nervous about his health, he
chose to depart on 26th July, 1855. We began to give him
up, when he reappeared on 10th November, but to depart
(finally?) on Candlemas-day, 1856, to take charge of a
community of nuns, with 100 scholars, at Bawnpark, in
Ireland.
Lyons, Joseph, O.S.D., bom at CuUen, co. Louth, in June,
1797 ; professed in the Order at Esker, co. Galway, in 1818;
studied two years in Rome, and four at Perugia ; was ordained
priest at St. John of Lateran, in 1821, by Cardinal Litta, and
was employed as Lector of Theology. With the consent of
his superior, he was allowed, on account of declining health,
to come on the English mission ; but for which the sequel
proved he was little qualified. For a short time he was
at Cannington in 1830; and for a brief space was Professor
of Theology at Ampleforth; then descended to the mission
of Usk; thence came to Calverleigh on 28th November,
1 835, to quit for Lyme on 28th December, 1 836. His presence
was afterwards inflicted on the communities of Lanheme and
Hartpury Court ; but his total want of self-control became so
notorious, that he was removed to Esker, where he could not
but practise moderation ; and there he finished his course.
M.
MacAulifpb, D.D., Thomas, bom at Cork 28th April,
1819; created D.D. at the Propaganda in 1843. For nine
years he laboured like an Apostle in the East-India missions,
and nearly lost his sight by a coup de soleil. To recover his
health he reached London, and Cardinal Wiseman placed
him at St. Joseph's, Bunhill-row, and at SS. Peter and Paul,
Clerkcnwell. It was agreed in August, 1855, that he should
850 BIOOBAFHIGAL LIST OF THE CLEBGT.
be employed at Stonehonse, where he arrived on 11th of that
months and when Dr. Vaughan came down to be installed
Bishop of Plymouth^ on 25th September^ 1855, Dr. McAulifFc
was declared rector. After displaying indefatigable zeal, he
quitted for Rome 28th July, 1856. He has since returned
from the Eternal City, and writes to me that he met with a
very kind reception at the Propaganda. They have sent him
back to Bishop Grant, with a promise of a pension firom the
Vicariate of Madras.
McDermot, Anthony, O.S.D., bom at Ramore, co. Galway,
4th December, 1800 ; began his classical education at Clon-
gowes, but finished his higher studies at the College of the
Minerva, at Rome, where he entered the holy order of St.
Dominic 15th September, 1830. In the following year he
was ordained priest. On 11th August, 1833, he entered on
the Salisbury mission, which he left for Merthyr Tydvil.
The Directory shows that he tried his luck in other dioceses^
and at last settled at Berwick-upon-Tweed, where, after
several years' service, he died on 21st February, 1855.
McDonnell, John, bom at Limerick 10th June, 1796. —
He had been a reporter for the London press, when he be-
thought himself of embracing the ecclesiastical state. Too
hastily was he ordained priest at Prior-park in December,
1834, and within four months was sent to conduct the Tor-
quay mission, from which he had to decamp on 12th May,
1836, to seek refuge in Trinidad, where he ended his
career in Febraary, 1839. His friend, the Rev. J. McEnery,
writing to me, says, *' Considering the past — his liability to
mental derangement, and the constant outbreaks of that
wound in his leg, his decease cannot be regarded in any
other light than as desirable. R.I.P."
McDonnell, James, of Ireland, educated at Carlow and
Stonyhurst ; succeeded TAbbe Dubuisson, at Weymouth, in
1822; at the expiration of eighteen months he quitted for
Rotheraas, whence he was transferred to Leamington, co.
Warwick, where an elegant and commodious chapel, in
honour of St. Peter, had been opened in October, 1828.
(See Ordo of 1832, p. 25.) There the good man exerted all
his talents and energy of character for the benefit of souls,
until his happy death on 26th June, 1838. On Ist July
following, his precious remains were deposited at the foot of
the altar. R.I .P.
McDonnell, Michael TnoiiAB, a radiant name among
his brethren, bom 4th February, 1792, at East Grinstead,
Sussex; entered Sedgley-park school on Ist February, 1802,
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLEBOT. 851
and began Latin together with Bishop Briggs^ Rev. Samuel
Day, O.S.B., and several other worthies. Four years later,
26th March, 1806, he was transferred to St. Mary's College,
Oscott, in the company of the present Bishop Wareing (bom
16th February, 1791), and the Rev. William Foley, who died
in February, 1843. In this excellent seminary he pursued
his studies with distinguished credit, and was qualified to
receive priesthood from the hands of his Mend, the immortal
Bishop Milner, on 19th September, 1817. His first mission
was Worksop, where he an-ived on Friday, 6th February, of
the year 1818. Six years later, on 11th April, 18^, the
Feast of the Dolors of our Lady, he was removed to a much
wider field for his zeal and commanding talents — St. Peter's
Church, Birmingham. There, amidst good report and evil
report, he laboured with an apostolic spirit, and extraordi-
nary benefit to the Catholic cause, in most critical and
eventful times, until 31st July, 1841, when he retired from
its onerous duties. Bishop Baines was anxious to employ
him in the Western District, and had mentioned to him
Plymouth, Bath, and Bristol ; but the matter ended in his
accepting the mission of Tor Abbey, which he reached on 2l8t
December, 1841, and there he rendered important service to
religion, until Bishop Baggs, who entertained the highest
opinion of his merits, promoted him at Midsummer, 1844,
to St. Augustine's Church, at Clifton.* At the end of
October, 1847, this gifted priest repaired to Rome, where
he arrived 8th December, and on his return in July, 1848,
was stationed at St. Peter's, Gloucester, where he continued
two years, when Bishop Hendren, in Jidy, 1850, ofiered him
the extensive mission of Plymouth. There he worked with
his characteristic energy (see Petition in the Appendix) until
he made way, on 13th October, 1851, for the Right Rev.
Dr. Errington, who had been consecrated the first bishop of
the new see of Plymouth on 25th July that year. Since 1st
April, 1852, my talented friend has been shelved at Short-
wood. Always ready with his pen, and his fluent tongue, to
uphold the cause of truth, and justice, and charity, his merits
would fill a volume; and his name will go down to posterity
as one of the ablest and most honourable of the secular
clergy.
McEnery, John, the fourth son, I believe, of Mr.
Matthew McEnery, of Limerick, was born in that city 27th
* This good bishop, an example of mild and condescending bearing,
has been known to say, ** I have not a more docile priest in my diocese
than the Rev. Thomas McDonnell."
852 BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBGT.
November, 1796. His father, being borthened with a large
family, quitted Ireland for the United States of America,
leaving John, who had manifested a strong disposition for
the ecclesiastical estate, to pursue his studies in the episcopal
seminary at home. And how well the youth profited of the
opportunity, is apparent by his promotion to the priesthood
at Limerick on Ist June, 1819, and by the testimonial of his
professor of divinity, Dr. Charles Hanrehan, who had known
him from childhood, and certified on 7th January, 1822, to
his talents and virtues, adding, '^Eum, ut qui sit optimse spei
Presbyter, plurimiim in Domino commendo ;" — and by the
exeat of the same date from his bishop, Dr. Charles Tuohy,
stating him to be worthy, " qui ab omnibus, tanquam pius
Christi Sacerdos admittatur.'^
On the 8th March, 1822 (Friday), he reached Exeter,
where I first made his acquaintance, and the next day he
quitted me to make his debut in the Tor Abbey mission*
During the nineteen years that he continued attached to the
Cary &mily, i.e, until his lamented death, he secured their
affection and confidence; and I can truly say, from my
intimate knowledge of him, that as far as his delicate health
would permit, he was exemplary in the discharge of his
ministerial duties ; that he had a heart formed for enduring
friendships ; and that, in my long experience, I have met with
no priest who inspired and conciliated, to a greater degree,
the respect and esteem of all classes, by the courtesy of his
manners, his polished taste, his vigorous inteUect, and varied
learning. The Geological Societies of London, Paris, &c.,
were proud to number him among their members. But his
health was very delicate, and Bishop Baines, in his license
for his travelling abroad, dated Bath, 12th April, 1836, re-
commended him to all prelates for permission to celebrate
Mass, ''aliasve sui ordinis functiones exercere, prout ipsi
necessarium, vel ipsis visum fuerit, permittere dignentur.''
Returning firom his travels with no improvement to his health,
he led a lingering life, and died on Thursday evening, 18th
February, 1841, in the friendly abbey. His mortal remains
were deposited near his pious friend the Rev. Charles Timings,
in Tor Mohun churchyard.
Maes, Louis, bom in Iweregham, in the diocese of Bruges,
on 29th November, 1811 ; was promoted to priesthood on
20th December, 1884, by Engelbert, archbishop of Mechlin,
and created Bachelor of Divinity with high commendation,
in the University of Louvain, on 20th March, 1837; in the
ensuing year was appointed to St. James's parish, in the city
BIOORAPHICAt LIST OF THB CLERGY. 853
of Bruges; but after twelve years' dischai^e of its pa8tx>ral
duties^ this amiable and enligntened ecclesiastic accepted the
direction of the Visitation Nuns at Westbury super Trym,
where he arrived on 29th June, 1850.
Mahon, Henry^ S.J.^ born in Dublin 25th September,
1804; studied at Stonyhurst; commenced his novitiate at
Mont Rouge 1st November, 1823 ; for four years conducted
the little school of the order in London ; was ordained priest
at Stonyhurst 20th December, 1834. This very inteUigent,
solid, and meek father was appointed assistant missionary at
Wardour from 8rd April, 1835, to 4th July, 1838, when he
was transferred to Preston. There two years' hard service
so impaired his health, that he was relieved from all mis-
sionary labour. On 13th September, 1842, he was enabled
to take charge of the Spetcfaley congregation for the next
four years, when he was directed to assist the venerable
Dr. Coombes, at Shepton Mallett. In March, 1848, he was
ordered to Trenchard-street Chapel, Bristol ; thence recalled
to London, where he is now stationed.
Maorath, Cornelius, an eccentric young priest of the
sister kingdom, for about two years was stationed at
Axminster, but quitted at Midsummer, 1824. What became
of him I never could learn. Most certainly he was dis-
qualified to uphold the respectability of a Catholic clergyman.
Mansfield, Richard, bom 2nd September, 1828, at Old
Strancally Castle, parish of Kilcoker, co. Waterford; made
his studies at St. John's College, Waterford. In Pentecost
week, 1851, he was ordained subdeacon and deacon, and
priest on Septuagesima Sunday, 1852, by Dr. Nicholas
Foran, bishop of that city. On 12th March, 1852, he com-
menced his missionary career at Stonehouse; but on 16th
October of that year was sent to Camborne, where he is
producing much fruit.
Manobr, Thohas, of the diocese of Winton; arrived at
Rome in 1587. He is mentioned by Bishop Challoner in his
Memoirs, in the report of the execution of William Pikes, the
lay martyr, at Dorchester, in 1591. All that I can glean
farther of this venerable priest is, that he was officially ap-
pointed archdeacon of Somerset and Dorset.
Marcellian (John Anthony Pini). — Of this Passionist
father — bom 24th December, 1819 ; admitted to his religious
profession on 10th August, 1837 ; and who died prior of his
brethren at Woodchester, so prematurely, on 14th March,
2 a
{(64 BIOOBAPHIOAL UST OF THB CUBGT.
1848 — I bave treated in the first Fbrt of this compilatbilj^
Chapter XIV., p. 167.
■ Mark, John, S.J., was bom in Devonshire in lft21 ; at
the age of nineteen he consecrated himself to God in the
Society. In 1652 he was ordered to the Lancashire mission^
where I find him three years later, after which I lose sight of
him.
Marsst, Jean Baptists, bom, as he told me, at Tour de
Yille 1st April, 1768 ; was ordained priest at Winchester in
the Whitsun week of 1798, by the bishop of BhodcE, and
soon was attached to Lord Axundell's family at Wardonr. On
the retirement of F. Edward Nihell he succeeded to the
charge of that numerous congregation, and for sixteen years
held it, with credit to himself and the benefit of his flock.
Infirmities led him to resign its arduous duties in March,
and on 26th July, 1817, to succeed to the direction ot the
Theresian nuns at Canford; eight years later he escorted
them to Torigni; and at the end of five years to a more
eligible residence at Valognes. There the venerable abbe^
closed a life of usefulness on 8rd Febraary, 1849, at the age
of eighty-one.
Marquant, Henri Jacques. — This learned and solid eccle-
siastic succeeded the Rev. Henry Innes, at Calverleigh, but
quitted in the spring of 1808 to become director to the Bene-
dictine nuns at Winchester, with whom he remained until his
death in August, 1831.
Martin, John, O.S.B. — This Douay monk, shortly after
being made priest, was sent to his old father at Balsbury, in
Somersetshire; but fell sick of the small-pox, and before he
could reach his father's house, died at Wells on 80th April,
1672, being assisted, says Weldon, by the Rev. F. Peter Salvin,
and having sent for and seen his parent before his death.
Martin, Thomas, a secular priest of considerable note, and
appointed archdeacon of Cornwall and Devon.
Mattroi^, . — I well remember this respectable
French abb6 at Truro, in October, 1810, where he had been
stationed some time. I think he returned to France at the
restoration of the Bourbons.
MAyhew, Edward, O.S.B., of Dinton, near Salisbury. —
After being a secular priest on the mission for twelve years,
he took the Benedictine habit, and was admitted to his pro-
fession by the venerable restorer of his brethren, F. Sigebert
Buckley, on 2l8t November, 1607. His learned labours
are, ''Notes upon the Sarum Manual'^; ''The Grounds
BlOtfftAPHICAL LI8T OF VHV CIiSBOT. 86S'
of the New end Old Religion ;'' ''An Answer to Mr. Field's
Objections;'' ''A Paradise of Prayers;'' '' Congregationis
Anglicanse Ordinis S. Benedicti Trophsea." This last work he
dedicated to his dear friend. Dr. William Gifford, O.S.B.
Bodd could not ascertain the time of his death ; but F. Weldon
(p. 124) records that he died at Cambray 14th SeptembeTj
1625, and that he lies buried in the parish church of St.
Vedast,
Matnb, CuTHBBftT. — Of this Protomartyr of Donay Col-
lege, I have spoken in the first chapter of this work. He
was hcftn at Youlston, near Barnstaple. At Easter, 1676, he
reached Gtolden, the seat of Francis Tregian, Esq., in St.
Probus' parish, Cornwall, as his chaplain; but passed for
his steward. In June of the following year. Dr. William
Bradhridge, bishop of Exeter, being on his visitation at
Truro in that, neighbourhood, prevailed on Sir Bicfaard
Grenville, the high sheriff, to seareh Golden House, and there,
says Tonkin, the Cornish historian, ^' the priest was found
concealed under an old tower." Dr. Challoner's Memoir
of this martyr, who suffered at Launceston on 29th November,
1577, is pai*ticularly interesting. As for the sanguinary
bishop, " he was found dead at his living of Newton Ferrers,
no one being about him, on 28th June, 1578, in debt for
tenths and subsidies received to the amount of £1^400,
whereupon all his goods were seized for the queen's use/'
Mekedith, John, a native of Bristol ; educated at Oxford,
but ejected soon after the accession of Queen Elizabeth.
From Doiiay he was sent a missionary into England in 1576.
Dodd, vol. ii., p. 109, says, that after labouring in his
functions, he was at last apprehended, and suffered a long
imprisonment, chiefly at Wisbech. The venerable old man
was bamshed in 1608, and probably died abroad.
Mbtcalf, Edward, O.S.B., in religion took the name of
Flacidus. He was a most promising member of Ampleforth,
when he accepted Bishop Baines' offer of secularization, and
to aid his lordship in the organization of Prior-park College.
Full of zeal and talent, he was soon after sent to Talacre, in
Flintshire, where he acquired such a competent knowledge
of the Welsh language, as to translate into it ''The Douay
Catechism," and " The Garden of the Soul," *' Reasons
for Embracing the Catholic B.eligion," and " Think Well
On't," for the benefit of his flock and the principality. His
next mission was Newport. There he laboured with apostolic
fervor for several years. In 1844, and the following year, he.
was removed to the easier station of Trenchard-street, Bristol,
2 A 2
856 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLBRGY.
— ^thence transferred to Leeds^ where he died, the ▼ictim of
fever, on 28th May, 1847, aet. fifty-six. He might say^
'^ Yivus docui ; nee cesso docere mortuus/'
Mitchell, John, bom 2nd February, 1811; completed
his studies at Oscott, and on 18th October, 1837, was pro-
moted to the priesthood, by Bishop Walsh, in company with
the Rev. James Brown, who has since been consecrated the
first bishop of Shrewsbury. For a short period my reverend
friend was coadjutor to the Rev. Thomas Macdonnell, of
St. Peter's, at Birmingham, whence he was transferred to
Chipping Norton, which he served with great credit for
nearly seventeen years. For the benefit of his health he
sought a warmer climate. Bishop Bui^ess kindly offered
him the Taunton mission, which he reached on 3rd February,
1853, and I trust it will long experience the fruits of his
experience and of his enei^etic administration*
MiLDMAY, Matthew, S.J. — Owing to the loss of docu-
ments, but very scanty light can be thrown on this reverend
father. He was certainly labouring in the diocese of Exeter
in 1701 and 1704 ; but of how long, before or after, no trace
remains. He died on 5th March, 1713.
MiLLiNOTON, George, O.S.B. — In religion took the
name of Bernard, succeeded his reverend confrire, F. King,
or Scott, already mentioned, at Leighland in 1664; and, like
him, died suddenly on 4th August, 1667, on his returning
from Taunton to his home, aged about forty.
MiOT, L'Abbe. — ^This amiable and talented priest, after
serving the church of Clifton for seven years and a half, was
transferred, in the middle of April, 1856, to Chelsea.
MoLYNBUx, Richard, S.J., senior and junior. — ^The first
was bom 10th March, 1696, and entered the order at the
age of nineteen. For a time he was stationed at Gateshead,
and professed in Maryland 13th June, 1734, where, two
years later, he was declared superior. Returning to England,
he was placed at Mamhull for a short time ; thence he was
transferred to Bonham, where he closed a blameless life on
17th May, 1766.
The junior was bom 3rd Majr, 1700 ; at the age of twenty-
two he devoted himself to Grod in the Society. I meet him at
Mamhull on 25th November, 1755, and there he ended his
course 6th June, 1769.
Molyneux, William, S.J., a native of Lancashire, and
bom 1st February, 1726; consecrated himself to Qod in
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLERGY, 357
religion at the age of twenty-two, was ordained priest at
Liege on 13th June, 1756, and was promoted to the rank of
a professed father 2nd February, 1767. He had served
Stapehill for some time, before he was called away to serve
the missions of Ince-Blundell, Stonyhurst, and Brinn^ in his
native county. Obiit 30th April, 1789,
MoRALL, Alphonsus Maria, O.S.B., bom at Stoodley,
CO. Warwick, 20th March, 1825. After completing humani-
ties at Downside, he was professed in the order, 28th
January, 1845, and promoted to priesthood at Prior-park by
Bishop Burgess on 21st September, 1853, and soon aftar was
appointed pastor of the Downside congregation.
MoREWooD (Bernard) James, O.S.D., bom in Warwick-
shire 1st May, 1824, and educated at Shrewsbury School ;
was received into the Catholic Church on Whit-Saturday,
1843 ; entered the Dominican Convent at Hinckley, in the
first week 6t October, 1845 ; professed 10th October, 1846 ;
and ordained priest at Oscott by Bishop Ullathome 22nd
December, 1849. FuU of energetic zeal and charity, — and
of the spirit of his holy order, — ^it is wonderful how he multi-
plies himself in enkindling the fire that Christ came to cast
upon the earth. Woodchester and Stroud proclaim his
merits ; but I forbear, and must leave it to posterity to do
him justice.
Morgan, Charles, borne at Knowle Manor House, near
Bristol, 5th September, 1830. Converted to the Catholic
faith in 1849, he was inspired with zeal to become the
minister of salvation to others. After studying at Prior-
park, he was ordained subdeacon 12th March, deacon 21st
September, 1853; and priest on Epiphany, 1856. He
assisted at Axminster for a month, sailed for the Crimea
5th March, 1856, and reached Scutari in safety.
MoRiLAND, L'Abbb. — ^This truly amiable priest served Tor
Abbey for some time ; but, as I well remember, quitted soon
after my arrival at Exeter. He went direct to Wappenbury,
near Coventry, and there continued until his return to
France, about 1816.
Morris, John Brande. — ^This eminent scholar was bom
at Brentford, Middlesex, on 4th September, 1812, and was
nephew to the distinguished chemist, Mr. William Brande.
In 1831, he was entered a commoner of Balliol College,
Oxford ; two years later was elected Fellow of Exeter College ;
and subsequently was appointed assistant to Dr. Fusey in
the HelH^w Professorship of that university.
858 .BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF TBI CLBBOY.
On 16tb January^ 1846, this gifted man embraeed tbe
Catholic faith, and was promoted to priesthood at St. Mary's
College, Oscott, in 1849. To sustain the credit of Prior-
park, he lent for a time the aid of his great talents to the
students there, but retired much dissatisfied. On 90th June,
1852, he attached himself as chaplain to the late Edmund
Eodney PoUexfen Bastard, of Katley, in the parish of
Yealmpton, Devon, Esq., and there he opened the new
Catholic chapel, near the parish church, on Sunday, 4th July,
1852. The prospects to religion grew cheering, and he had the
satisfaction of witnessing his patron's marriage to his early
friend, Florence Mary, eldest daughter of Simon Scrope, of
Danby, Esq., at St. Mary's, Chelsea, on 22nd November of
the ensuing year. In fitct, he had been the principal
instrament, nnder God, of introducing the oonple to eadi
other.
Bishop Errington nominated my reverend friend a canon
of the New Chapter of the Cathedral of Plymouth, and he
was duly instaU^ on 6th December, 1858. We hailed him
to an ornament and Inminary of our Body, but were grieved
to hear, in the autumn of 1855, that there was a probibility
of our losing the benefit of his valuable services. Matters
did not run so smoothly and comfortably for him at
Yealmpton as we could have wished, and he accepted the
ofier of chaplain to his former pupil. Sir John Acton, of
Aldenham Hall, near Bridgnorth, co. Salop^ where he arrived
on 29th November, 1855.
«< I bone, quo virtas tna te voeat : ipede hnato,
Grandia laturus merltomm presmia."
We have from the pen of this profound thinker—
1. Nature, a Parable ; a Poem, in seven books.
• 2. A Translation of St. Chrysostom's Tome on St. Paul's
Epistle to the Bomans.
8. An Essay for th^ Conversioii of the Hindus (to this a
priae of j£200 was awarded by the examiners, Professor
Wilson, of Oxford, and Dr. Mill, of Cambridge).
. 4. Select HomUies from St. Ephrem, from the Syriac, in
1846.
5. A Translation from the Italian, " The Months of May
and November ; " written by P. Alphonsus Muzzarelli, S. J.^
who died 25th May, 1818, set. sixty-four.
6. *' Jesus, the Son of Mary,*' 2 vols. 8vo. 1851.
I know that he contributed several articles to the Protestant
Critic, to the English Churchman, with the final letters of his
names, " N. E. S.,'' and some Essays in the DubliM Beviem
mOG&APHICAL LIST OF THB CLEBOTl 869
And Rambler. His Letters oti Education appeared in the
fVeekly Register.
Morton^ David. — His real name was Lonreghan. He was
educated at Carlow^ was ordained by Bishop CoUingridge,
and employed for some time at Poole^ at Usk^ next at
Wrexham m Denbighshire, then at Wdlington in Shrop-
shire; after which he eludes mj research.
MoiTLiK, PiVRRs, D.D. — ^This learned divine resided for
eight years at Blandford, up to 1814, and had charge of a
Bttle fibck. He then removed to Brigg, in oo. Lincoln } but
after a short period retained to France, where he died in
1822.
MouTiER, JsAN Marc Bomain, was bom in the parish of
Notre Dame du Havre on 25th February, 1767. He was
educated in the University of Caen, and ordained priest at
Paris by Dominic de la Bochefoucault, cardinal priest of the
holy Bonian Church, archbishop of Bouen, on Saturday,
18th June, 1791; emigrated to England 6th September,
1792; for some time resided in Berkshire, but in 1797
settled at Bristol, where, during twenty-six years, as a
teacher of the French language, he acquired universal esteem
and respect by his attention to his professional duties and
most exemplary conduct. Having realized a competent
fortune, he was induced to accept the easy situation of chap-
lain to the Chichester family at Calverleigh, near Tiverton,
where he arrived on 5th August, 1823. Here he endeared
fiimself to every one by his obliging and cheerful disposition,
and by his tender regard for the sick and the poor. It
pleased Almighty God to visit him with a long and afflicting
malady, which terminated with his death on 15th Aprils
1833, at Exeter. His mortal remains were deposited, with
due respect, in a vault behind St. Nicholas's Chapel, on the
18th, and the following epitaph may be seen on the tablet
over his tomb : — »
*
H. S. £.
fieverendizs Dei Sacerdos,
Pletalis et Beneficentiie Exemplsr,
JoanneB Bfaanous Romanus MouUer,
la Urbe Fortus-GratifB oriundusy
Morbo gravi consumptus est Exoniee
xvii Kal. Maiiy A.D. mdcccxxxiii,
Cum sex ei sexaginta annos oomplesset.
Ave^ animA oandkiissima,
, Et viv« in Deo, memor taOiftinu
I may now proceed to give an analysis of all the docu-
BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOY.
ments relating to his noble foundation of the Tiverton
mission. To me it is now a most painful task to reh&te the
gross misapplication of the funds^ which he had generously
devoted to the foundation of this Tiverton mission. The
reader will carefully bear in mind that his disposition of his
property for the purpose had been legalized full eight months
before his death by the passing of O'Connell's Bill. Alas I
how well I remember the good man's dwelling on the
pleasing prospect of religion in Tiverton, and the comfortable
provision he had secured for its incumbent I
On my communicating to Bishop Baines the intentions of
my lamented friend, his lordship, on 8th December, 1881,
wrote to me as follows : ''The good abbe's intention respect-
ing the foundation of a mission at Tiverton is most welcome.
I pray that &od may bless the author of this good work
both here and hereafter. Such acts of munificent charity are
rare in these days." Again^ on 8th April, 1838, the bishop
addresses me thus : " Make the poor snfierer, Mr. Moutier^
understand how much I feel obliged to him for the Christian,
charitable, and benevolent disposition he has made of his
property; and assure him that his intentions and wishes
shall be scrupulously attended to." On 25th May, 1833, the
same bishop writes : " Mr. English, my solicitor, received, a
week ago, the probate of Mr. Moutier's will" (the testator
had died on 15th April that year). On Ist October, 1833:
'' I shall be happy to co*operate, to the best of my power, in
establishing the mission of Tiverton according to the wishes
of the worthy Mr. Moutier." In answer to the remon*
strances and complaints of some members of the Chichester
family at the unaccountable delay in commencing operations,
his lordship repeated the assurance, that ''Mr. Moutier's
wishes should be strictly adhered to." Even Dr. Brindle, in
his letter to me of 1st March, 1841, concludes thus : " You
need not, I assure you, have any fear that Dr. Baines will
not scrupulously fulfil the intentions of the good abb£, who
has done so much for the Tiverton mission." On 9th June,
1841, his lordship assured the head of the Chichester fiunily
of Calverleigh, "I will fulfil Mr. Moutier's intentions of
applying his money to Tiverton. It would be a crying injus-
tice to apply elsewhere the funds which had been left for
Tiverton ahne. However others might misapply money left
for particular purposes, I shall act up to the intentions of the
donor." Out of an immense mass of letters, which are in
safe custody, his lordship's grand vicar coolly wrote, on 26th
February, 1841 : " Who questions that Mr. Moutier's pro*
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLfiRGY. 361
periy is to be employed in any way bnt thai which he
frequently and openly spoke of? '^
It is but truth to say that the iitegularity and uncertainty
of even a small proportion of the income due to the poor
incumbent^ injured the credit of Prior-park^ and shook the
confidence of charitably-disposed persons. And when I
review the crying injustice exercised towards the victimised
clergymen of such a noble foundation^ I am tempted to agree
with an eminent prelate^ well acquainted with the merits of
the case : " Hereafter, good people wishing to endow
churches, missions, &c., will be inclined to employ none but
lay trustees, who will not surrender their trusts for the
prayers, commands, or threats of any ecclesiastical autho*
rities."
MovTABDiER, Lewis Benjamin, S.J., bom at L^Aigle, in
Normandy, 22nd November, 1786; educated principally at
Stonyhurst ; was admitted into the novitiate on 20th June,
1810; ordained priest 4th September, 1813 ; and during the
long period of nearly thirty-seven years, viz., fix)m 19th July,
1817, until May, 1854, had charge of the Lullworth congre-
gation, and displayed the uniform example of enlightened
zeal, cheerful piety, and sound discretion. No Jesuit could
be more deeply impressed with the spirit of his holy founder,
especially as regards poverty of spirit, and implicit obedience.
He is now at Stonyhurst.
MuNDTN, John, bom at Maperton, Dorset ; educated at
Oxford ; was admitted a fellow of New College in 1562 ; but
refusing to conform to the established religion, was ejected
by Dr. Robert Home, bishop of Winchester, at his visitation
of that college (which had been founded by the immortal
William Wykeham). After some years he went abroad, and
in 1 580 applied himself to the study of divinity at Bheims, but
certainly did not take orders there. This is manifest firom
Dr. Allen's letter, bearing date, '' Bheims, 11th August,
1581,'^ to F. Alphonsus Aggrati, S.J., rector of the English
College at Rome, in which he writes that '' John Mundesm,
who will deliver this dispatch, has left with us ' 20 aureos,'
that the amount may be paid him in scudi on his arrival at
Rome. I earnestly recommend him to your patemity^s
attentions and favour. He was never an alumnus of this
college, though he was a convictor for some time at his own
charges. Truly he is a good and honest Catholic, and goes
to your city chiefly for devotion's sake. He is not unfit for
the priesthood ; nevertheless, he has not hitherto been a
BIOGRAPHICAL lltT OP VRB CLBBOT.
postulant for it; nor have ve ur^ed it mndi^ becanse he did
not live at the college expense. But if he should now express
a wish, and for that purpose should require £8 or £12 addi-
tional, I will be answerable for the repayment* In the
direction of such extraordinary men there always must be
some trouble : but you are known to be English in heart and
affection, &;c. Farewell in Christ Jesus,
«G. AtANUS."
In the following year he became a candidate for the priest-
hood, and was ordained in the Eternal City. He hastened
back to his own country to exercise his apostolic functions,
but soon fell into the hands of his enemies. At the end of
February, 1583, he was apprehended on Hounslow Heath. —
(See Bishop Challoner's Memoirs.) Bishton adds that he
was brought into the Tower, and put into irons for twenty
days. Within a twelvemonth, tiz. 12th February, 1584, he
was dragged to be butchered at Tyburn. The night before
his martyrdom he addressed the following note to his cousin^
at Kheims, which we copy from the original : —
'' Cosyn Ducke, I am now warned to prepare against to
morrow to go to dye, and yet I hope in Jesus Christ to live
too for ever ; and having almost forgotten you and others my
freinds, was like to have passed you in silence ; but I pray
Jrou make my humble commendations first and especially to
my good Mrs. and my onely patron Mr. Hyde ; secondly, to
that good Dr; Farar, the sweetest man in Christiendom to live
withal ; thirdly, and so lastly, to Mr. President, Mr. Bayly,
Mr. Bainold8,*and all other my good freinds, desiring them
all most hartely to pray for me ; and if ever I dyd ever offend
any of them, that they will forgive me : so I committ you to
God, desiring that we may have together a joyful resurrec-
tion, with my hearty commendations biddinge you farewcdl
for ever in this worlde. Your loving firynd and Cosyn,
" John Mundtn."
MuTTLEBURY, Geobgb (Pjacio), O.S.B., bom in Somer«
setshire : whilst a priest on the mission came to Bieulwart
to petition for the habit of a monk ; here, says F, Weldon^
his pleasing qualities rendered him highly grateful to aU his
brethren of that house, amongst whom he happily ended hia
life in a good old age, 6th July, 1632.
JBIOO&APHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROT. 868
N.
Naylor, Placid, O.S.B.— This good monk served the
Bath mission nearly twenty years, from 1757 to 1776. H^
ended his days at Paris in January, 1794.
Neale, Thomas, bom at Yeate, co. Gloucester; educated
at Winchester School; elected a scholar of New College,
Oxford, in 1538, and two years later a perpetual fellow, la
1546 he was promoted to holy orders, and as Wood relates in
his Athena: Oxon., was accounted ^' an able theologian, and
admirably well-skilled in the Greek and Hebrew languages.''
Br. Bonner chose him to be one of his chaplains; and in the
reign of Queen Mary he was in high favour. In the reigu
of her successor he retired, after some time, to the village of
Cassington, about four miles from Oxford, where he seems to
have been buried. In 1690, set. seventy-one, he composed his
epitaph in Latin, wherein, after alluding to his empty fame of
a linguist, he thus appeals to his pupUs for their charitable
prayers.
<* Voe eigo Thomee Nell qnoB Lingua juvabat,
£liiigiiem, linguA (qncso) juvate pi&.''
. He is thought to be the original reporter of the story of
Pr. Matthew Parker's consecration at the Nag's Head,
Cheapside, London.
Needhah, Charles. — I think was the third son of John
Needham, Esq., of Hilston, co. Monmouth, by his wife
Elizabeth Rowe of Leighland, received his education at
Douay College, and was justly esteemed and admired for
his courtier-like manners and polite scholarship. On 19th
becember, 1745, he became the incumbent at Tor Abbey, and
for upwards of forty years continued his valuable services to
the Cary family and his little flock. At Michaelmas he
retired ^om ministerial duty to make room for his friend,,
the Rev. John Halford, already mentioned; but took up his
residence for the ten successive years, in the adjoining village
of Tor Mohun. At length, on 22nd February, 1798, he
bade adieu to a spot where he had witnessed fifty-two
i^evolving suns, and settled himself in London, where he
departed in peace on 10th September, 1802, at the advanced
age of eighty-eight.
Nblsok, alias Newton, James, S.J., bom in London 10th
June, 1736; at the age ol eighteen joined the Society. In
declining age his patienee was perfected by increasing in-
firmities; but he re&dned what asttstanee he oojM to his-
864 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
friend^ F. Robert Plowden^ the laborious missionarj at
Bristol, at whose house he finished his course on 2nd April,
1803.
Neve, Frederick Robert, born at Eton, Bucks, 28th
August, 1806. His father was the Bev. Frederick Hervey
Neve. Educated at Eton College, and at Oriel College,
Oxford, he proceeded A.M. in 1828, and for twelve years
was rector of Poole Keynes, Wilts, before his reconciliation to
the Catholic Church in October, 1845. After passing a
twelvemonth at Prior-park, he repaired to the English Col-
lege at Rome in October, 1846, where he continued until
May, 1848, having been admitted to priesthood by the
Cardinal Vicar on the 18th March of the last-mentioned
year. Since his return to England he has been attached to
the Church of the Twelve Apostles at Clifton.
Newport, Maurice, S.J., a native of Somersetshire;
joined the Society at the age of twenty-four, and was ad-
mitted amongst the professed fathers on 28rd November,
1643. For many years he taught humanities at St. Omer's,
and for a considerable period was employed in the English
mission. After spending half a century in his order, he died
in London on 4th December, 1687, set. seventy-six. Dodd,
in his " Church History," vol. iii. p. 819, merely says,
" I take it, he was a member of the Society of Jesus." In
1665 this classic father presented his ''Votum Candidum, sea
Poema congratulatorium " to his Majesty King Charles II.
A second edition appeared in 1669, and a third in London
in 1676, containing 368 pages, revised by the author.
At the end is a poem, dedicated to James, Duke of
York, and his Duchess, Manr d'Este, on the birth of their
infant son, Charles, Duke of Cambridge. Was he not the
author of *' A Golden Censer full with the pretious Incense
of the Praiers of Saints.'' Paris, 1654, pp. 142, dedicated
''To the High and Mighty Princesse, Henrietta Maria^
Daughter of England?"
Newsham, James. — I am informed that this venerable
priest of Douay College resided for a time at Spetisbury.
He departed to our Lord, at Hammersmith, on 11th June,
1825j aged eighty-four years.
NiHELL, Edward, S. J., bom in Antigua 18th January, 1752;
in the seventeenth year of his age embraced the pious
Institute of Jesus. At the expulsion of his English brethren
from their college at Bruges, he was one of the masters ; and
subsequently at Liege filled the same employment. There
BI001U7HICAL LIST OP THE CLBROY. 865
he was ordained priest, and said his first Mass 6th June,
1776. Twelve years later he succeeded F. Charles Forrester^
as the pastor of the Wardour congregation. After dis-
charging his ministerial duties, during fourteen years, in a
manner that endeared him to the Arundell family and his
increasing flock, he quitted for Trinidad, where he fell a
victim of charity in attending the poor negroes, on 4th
November, 1806. He was a man of great merit, esteemed
for sound sense and an amiable temper — full of kindness and
goodness.
NoRMAND, Nicholas, of the diocese of Rouen, bom 1st
January, 1760; after the emigration he supplied in several
places in the Midland district ; for a short time resided at
Tor Abbey, then fixed himself at Spetisbury ; but finally at
Stapehill, where he died 14th January, 1842.
NoBRiNOTON, Henrt, bom at Plymouth 29th April, 1809;
whilst quaUfying himself for the chemical profession, he was
reconciled to the Catholic Church, in June, 1826, by that
worthy pastor of Plymouth, Dr. Costello. Wishing to become
a minister of salvation to others, he obtained matriculation in
the English College at Lisbon, where he was ordained deacon
29th March, 1835, and priest on 13th March, 1836, by the
bishop of Angra, coadjutor to the patriarch of Lisbon. For
the benefit of his health he travelled much, especially through
Palestine, Syria, and Arabia, and, as he told me, had made a
large collection of materials towards printing the account of
his tour, as also a new version of the Psalms from the Hebrew
text ; but which, increasing and painful weakness of sight
prevented him from accomplishing. Axminster was the only
mission that partook of his ministerial services. There he
arrived on 27th October, 1837, and at Terrace Lodge, the
seat of Henry Knight, Esq., who always treated him as one
of the family, he closed a suffering Ufe, by a most edify-
ing death, on 8th December, 1848. At his own desire he
was buried on the north-west side of the cemetery of SS.
Michael and George, Lyme Regis, where I copied the follow-
ing inscription on the edge of the co£5n-shaped-slab, adorned
with a cross fleury, chalice, and book, which covers his
grave.
Hlc jaoet Henricus Norringion, Presbyter CapellsB S. Marieo
Apud Axeminster, qui
Obiit Yiii Dec. A.D. mdcccxlviii. ^tatis suae anno xl.
Jesu Domine miserere.
NoRRis, Richard, S.J., of Lancashire. — He entered the
English College in 1677, and probably joined the Society in
808 BIOQ&AraiCAL tIBT OP fllK CMBOT.
that eity. He was stationed, in the reign of James II«, at
Exeter, where ''a Mass-house was opened/' as I find in
Calamy's '' History of Puritan Ministers." This excite the
bile of the fanatical party, and especially of that eccentric
and sour bigot, George Trosse, who, dying on 11th January,
1718, set. eighty-two, was buried in St. Bartholomew's yard
under an altar-tomb, with an epitaph composed by him-
self:—
Hicjacet
Peccatorom maximuB,
Sanctorum minimas,
ConcionatonxTii indigniflsimas,
Qui hole maligno valedixitmondo.
But so complete was the demolition of this chapel at the
arrival of William, Prince of Orange, in November, 1688^
that I have never been able to satisfy myself where it
actually stood. During the hurricane of this Revolution,
F. Norris judged it advisable to give wav to wrath, and to
attempt his escape firom the city. But he fell in with the
sentinels, one of whom levelled a blow at him with a battle-
axe, the force of which was averted by a comrade, and the
£ather luckily got off. That night he passed in a hovel on
the bare ground. Ascertaining the next day that he was
diligently searched for, that a reward was offered for his
apprehension, and that the very man who had prevented the
intended fatal blow from having effisct had engaged to
discover him, wherever he should be, he decided on taking
some other direction. For two days he lay concealed in a
damp and uncomfortable room, exposed to wind and weather
in that inclement season. Understanding that the troops
had quitted Exeter (the Prince of Orange had reached this
city on 9th and left it on 20th November), he determined,
say the Annual Letters, to return ''ad Catholicos infir-
mandos;'' he was then distant sixteen miles, and he made
the ioumey during the night amidst torrents of rain,
dreaiunl roads, and almost bi^foot. On his arrival he found
the papulation in a more excited state than before; some
one had threatened to put the mayor (Sir Thomas Jefford,
Knight) to trouble for not having arrested the father before;
now all the houses of the Catholics were diligently search^
for him, and a reward of '' 200 aureorum '' was offered for
his apprehension. Convinced that he must be discovered if
he remained, he left the city in the dead of night, and under
the protection of Heaven, though the roads were watched
for thirteen miles of his journey by armed patrols, he
experienced no molestation. After a delay of six months^
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THH CLSHaY: SffT
he again ventured on a visit to his afflicted flock ; his resi-
dence was searched^ and he had but time to escape along the
roof to an adjoining house. On . one occasion, he was
actually in the hands of some soldiers, who were sent to
apprehend him; yet, by the favour of Providence, he
succeeded in giving them the slip.
In 1701 and 1704 I meet with this good father as the
superior of his brethren in Devon and Cornwall. He died
21st June, 1717.
NoRRis, Sylvester, S. J., of Somersetshire. — He had been
created D.D. at Rome before the date of his admission into
the Society of Jesus. His learned works, — " The Antidote,
or Treatise of Thirty Controversies agaitist Sectaries,'* 4to.
St. Omer's, 1618, pp. 322, with its Second Part, 1619,
pp. 247; ''The Appendix to the Antidote,'* 4to. London,
1621, pp. 107; "The Pseudo-Scripturist," 4to. 1623,— must
ever rank him amongst the ablest of our polemical writers.
After serving the mission with great zeal and ability, he died
in England, 16th March, 1630, aged fifly-nine.
O.
0*DoNNBLL, Nicholas, O.S.A. — Bom at Cahir 17th
December, 1802; joined the Augustinian Order at the age
of twenty, and was ordained priest at St. John Lateran,
Rome, in September, 1825. For a long time he served the
mission and taught philosophy at New York.
The reader should know that Bishop UUathorne, the suc-
cessor of Bishop Baggs in the Western District, consecrated
21st June, 1846, was most anxious to establish an Augusti-
nian mission at Bristol, and applied to the General of the
order, the Very Rev. Dr. Joseph Palermo, for the purpose. The
Gten^ral accordingly sent Father Nicholas O'Donnell, above
mentioned, in February, 1848, with the fuU intention of
providing him shortly with another member of the order.
But owing to the revolutionary times at Rome, the assistant's
arrival was delayed. In the mean time F. O'Donnell was
placed by the bishop at Pennywell, on the Stapleton-road.
There this zealous and experienced religious man erected the
Church of St. Nicholas de Tolentino, which was opened for
public worship on 21st December, 1850. There was now a
prospect of a rich harvest of souls, and when tranquillity
was restored at Borne, the Greneral wrote, on 4th July, 1852,
to the ze^Jous pastor, that he had sent him an efficient,
aasistant in the person of the Rev. Brother Thomas Crowther.
368 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLBROT.
The General's letter was duly notified to the neir bishop of
Clifton, Dr. Burgess, as also the arrival of the Rev. Thomas
Crowther, on 26th July. His lordship's grand vicar replied
on the following day, that the bishop had other views as to
that mission ; but would give them both employment else*
where. F. (yDonnell sent a reply three days later, a chef"
dPoBuvre of the kind, in which he modestly states the con-
scientious perplexity of reconciling with his vow of obedience
the abandonment of a post assigned to him by his Oeneral,
until he received his orders, to whom he would forward the
correspondence without delay. On 2nd August F. (yDonnell
had to make an excursion for a few days, leaving his assistant
at the chapel-house. During his absence the grand vicar
called, charged the assistant not to obey his superior, who on
his return on Saturday, 7th of August, was served with the
bishop's command to surrender the premises and the care of
the mission to the Rev. William Cullinan, under pain of
suspension. Of course, he submitted, under protest, and was
summoned at once by the General to appear before the
Congregation of the IVopaganda. Leaving England on 8th
September, he reached Rome on the 22nd.
Oleron, Marc Laurence Thomas, D.D., bom in the
diocese of Rennes 23rd March, 1807. — ^This amiable French
priest came over to Trelawny on 27th August, 1835, and
whilst zealously serving that place, was appointed vicar-
general of Cornwall, by Bishop Ullathome in September,
1846. On the Rev. Henry Riley's resignation of Plymouth
in March, 1848, he was removed to that important mission,
where he laboured with distinguished merit until &th June,
1850. His services were next required at Lanheme Convent,
and there he remained from Ist July, 1850, until 13th
October, 1851, when he was ordered to Plymouth again by
the newly-inducted bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Errington.
After a short residence with his lordship, and a visit to
France, he accepted the invitation of Dr. Wareing, the new
bishop of Northampton, to teach divinity in his seminary.
On 24th June, 1852, he was created canon and theologian of
that new chapter, and on 25th March, 1855, was awarded
the degree of D.D.
Oliver, George, D.D., bom in Newington, Surrey, 9th
February, 1781 ; was educated at Sedgley-park and Stony-
hurst, where he taught humanities for five years, and was
promoted to holy orders at Durham by Dr. Gibson, bishop
of Acanthus, in the Ember- week of Pentecost, 1806. He was
appointed to the Exeter mission in October, 1807, and filled
BIOOBAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBBOT. 869
it^ however unworthily, for forty-four consecutive years. On
30th March, 1843^ he was elected an honorary member
of the Historical Society of Boston ; and also, without bis
knowledge, made D.D. by his Holiness Pope Gregory XVI.
on 15th September, 1844. He can truly say, that his only
ambition is, that his name may be written in the book of
life. " Quod faxit Deus \"
O'MsARA, William Alotbius, O.S.P. — ^This Irish Fran-
ciscan served the office of provincial of his brethren from
1822 to 1825 ; reached Cannington mission in the summer
of 1826 ; then served Tawstock from November, 1829, to July,
1831, when he returned to Cannington, and accompanied the
community of Benedictines to Mount Pavilion, in Stafford-
shire, and continued his services to them for several years.
O^HADDEUS, Meallt, bom at Limerick 24th March,
1797; promoted to holy orders in his native city. He is
connected with the West of England by having accepted the
charge of the faithful at Falmouth in August, 1822, but he
had to resign it in a twelvemonth, when he started for Phila-
delphia to serve the American mission. He reached that
city in October, 1823, but its bishop declined his services.
Returning to Ireland he was at length appointed one of the
chaplains to the Metropolitan Church in Dublin, and ob-
tained imenviable notoriety by his harangues at the general
association in December, 1836. Malta soon after witnessed
his eccentricity of character. Quitting that island he came
to England, and I shall never forget his unbecoming letter
published in London, dated 27th March, 1840, and addressed
to bis grace, John McHale, archbishop of Tuam. The last I
heard of him was, that he became editor of " The Christian
Social Economist,'' in Dublin, on 22nd November, 1851.
Padburt, Joseph. — ^This exemplary London priest was
lent to Bishop Errington for the benefit of the faithful at
Bridjiort, but has recently been charged with assisting the
congregation of Poplar.
Paillet (Bernakd), Edward, O.S.B., bom in Bath 6th
March, 1810 ; professed at Downside 24th June, 1834 ; was
ordained priest at Prior-park by Bishop Baines, 23rd Feb-
ruary, 1839 ; left Downside in November, 1840, for Chelten-
ham; but after a few months was transferred to Chipping
Sodbury, and thence to Acton Bnmell, where he was visited
with a violent brain fever, which terminated in his total
2 B
870 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THB CLERGY.
blindness. In May^ 184!2> he returned as a conventual to
Downside^ and after some time was placed as an assistant
to the missionary at Whitehaven^ where he makes himself
most useful as a director, a catechist, &c.
Paine, John. — For special particulars of this illustrious
sufiFerer for the Catholic faith, see Part First, Chapter I., p. 8 ;
as also Dr. Challoner's Memoirs. It is sufficient to say
here that he went to his glorious crown on 2nd Aprils
1682.
Panting, John, S.J. — This considerate benefactor of the
missions of Bristol, Exeter, and Shepton Mallett, was bom
26th November, 1732; entered the Society 7th September,
1749; was ordained priest at Liege 17th April, 1757; and
was justly reputed a polite scholar, an excellent critic, and
an accomplished gentleman. For. many years he was the
respected incumbent at Bonham, and there his pious career
was terminated by a happy death on 80th May, 1783. Before
he came to the mission, he was director to the English nuns
at Gravelines, and published a translation of Pere d'Orlean's
"Life of St. Aloysius,'' St. Omer, 1761. His MS. Lives of
St. Mary de Pazzis, pp. 403, and of St. Jane of Chantal,
pp. 152, were afterwards in the possession of Mary Christina,
the dowager Lady Arundell, and at her death, 20th June,
1813, cam6 to her daughter. Lady Clifford, at Ugbrooke,
where I have seen them.
Palemon, Pere, veri Rousselin Nicholas, was bom at
St. Male's in 1771 ; began his noviceship in St. Susan's
monastery of La Trappe, LuUworth, with Dom Antoine
Saulnier, of whom more hereafter. This saintly religious,
from 1810 till 1817, was in the habit of going weekly from
his monastery to Stapehill to hear the confessions of the
Trappist nuns there, and on the departure of his brethren
for France in July, 1817, became permanently established
in their service. With them the venerable man concluded
his innocent life on 19th May, 1851 ; sac. fifty-four, prof,
fifty-six, rot. eighty-two. A very respectable gentleman, a
convert, in a letter dated 24th May, writes thus : '' The dear
old Pere Palemon departed this life on Monday morning last,
at seven o'clock — ^a glorious change for one who in this world
has followed our blessed Redeemer with humble submission
to the crosses of this life to a bright and immortal change.
His memory will ever be cherished in my bosom with affec-
tion. Considering his age, and the race he has run, I feel
rather disposed to say qtdescU in pace than requiescat in
pace. Would that my end would be like to his when death
shall summon mc to the tomb \"
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OP THE CLBROY. 871
The remains of this good father are deposited in the con-
yentnal cemetery of Spetisbory.
Palmer (Bernard) John. — ^The history of this Cistercian
abbot reminds ns of God's providence described in Chap-
ter X.J as conducting his servants in a wonderful way^ — '^ in
vi& mirabili."
The subject of this memoir was bom at Charmouth, in
Dorsetshire^ on 15th October^ 1782^ and^ as I learn from its
parish register^ was baptized in the church there on 11th"
November that year. His parents^ William and Ann Palmer,
gave him the best education their slender circumstances would
admits and trained him carefully as a Protestant of the Church
of England. In his letter to me of 23rd August^ 1849^ he
says : " You may judge of my devotion to it, when I tell
you that I burnt the pope for three or four years together
with great zeal.'' Losing his father, he went to London to
see his brother James, and to secure, if possible, the situation
of a servant in a family. Here curiosity led him into War-
wick Street Chapel. He was much taken with the service.
To understand things better, he purchased of Mr. Booker,
the worthy Catholic publisher, a " Garden of the Soul,'* and
told that gentleman how much he wished to get a valet's place.
In the mean while he had addressed himself to the Rev. William
Wilds, of Warwick Street Chapel, and was gratified beyond
measure by the aflFability with which he was received by this
first priest he had ever accosted. Whilst under this reverend
gentleman's instructions, the late Thomas Weld, of Lullworth
Castle, Esq., applied to Mr. Booker if he knew of any proper
young man to fill the office of valet. Mr. Booker at once
recommended John Palmer, who was approved of, went to
Lullworth, and was soon ftJly admitted into the bosom of
the Catholic Church by the chaplain, the Rev. Leonard
Brooke. The edifying regularity and piety of the Weld
family, and the fervent examples of the Cistercian monks of
the adjoining monastery, excited in his breast an earnest
desire of imitation : his sole ambition, however, was to be
admitted as a lay-brother ; but Bishop Collingridge, with the
consent of the Superior, ruled that he should be a choir-
religious ; and at length he made his solemn profession on
2l8t November, 1810. Within seven years after this he was
doomed with his brethren to emigrate from their monastery
to Pranee, as related in the first part of this compilation,
and also to suffer expulsion from Melleray Abbey in 1830.
After some years' residence at Nantes, he was invited over to
the infant establishment in Chamwood Forest, now St. Ber-
nard's Abbey, near Loughborough, co. Leicester* Hitherto
2 B 2
372 BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLERGY.
humility had kept him in minor orders only ; but now ike
was commanded to prepare for priesthood^ and was ordained
by Bishop Walsh on Slst July, 1838, celebrating his first
Mass on the ensuing feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.
His experience of a religious life, and his talents for business,
pointed him out as the fittest person to fill the office of Prior
in 1841 ; and when the monastery was erected into an abbey.
Father Bernard was unanimously elected its first abbot.
Pope Pius IX. confirmed the election, and on Quinquagesima
Sunday, 18th February, 1848, Bishop Ullathorne, assisted by
Bishop Wareing, two abbots from France, and one from Ire-
land, consecrated him to that dignity.
I had hoped this friendly abbot would have been spared
many years to religion, when I received a letter from one of
his subjects, F. Robert Henry Smith, that he had expired, at
nine a.m., on 10th Novembcn*, 1852 : " We had just finished
a solemn requiem Mass for the members of our Order de-
parted during the past year, when we were summoned to his
room. He was then evidently dying, and we had scarcely
time to administer extreme unction before he breathed his
last, and fell, as it were, into a gentle sleep. We buried him
on Saturday last (13th) in our Chapter-room, vested in alb,
chasuble, mitre, and crosier, in a small brick vault, without
coffin. The Bev. Mr. Furlong preached on the occasion a
very impressive sermon. Our beloved and respected abbot
appeared in a gentle sleep, even to the moment we lowered
him into his grave.'' John Hardman, Esq., has placed over
the remains of the venerable abbot a tasteful monumental
brass.*
Parfitt, Charles, was bom of Protestant parents at
Bruton, co. Somerset, 10th September, 1816, and received
his early education in the Free Grammar School of Bruton,
which had been originally founded by Catholics in 1520, and
refounded by King Edward VI., by charter, dated 1st May,
1550. He left this school at the age of eighteen, and two
years later, on his birthday, was reconciled to the Catholic
Church at Prior-park by Bishop Baiues. On quitting Prior-
park 19th October, 1838, he proceeded to the English College
at Rome ; and whilst there was promoted to subdeaoonship
by Bishop Wiseman on 9th June, 1840, and to deaconship
by Monsignore Piatto, patriarch of Constantinople, on 6th
December the same year. In consequence of the departure
of the Boeminians from Prior-park, Bishop Baines summoned
Mr. Parfitt over; he bade adieu to the eternal dty on
28th November, 1842; was ordained priest by Bidiop Baines
* A brief, bnt interesting sketch of his life, is prefixed to the ** Metto-
.poittaQ and Provincial Catholic Almanac for 1865.*'
BIOOBAFHICAL LIST OF THE CLEBOT. 373
on 29th of the following month, a few days after his re-
turn, and was appointed professor of classics and prefect of
St. PanVs College, and so continued until the death of Bishop
Baines. On the arrival of his lordship' successor, Dr. Baggs,
this able professor was named president of St. Peter's, and
Pope Gregory XVI. promoted him to the rank of one of his
Camerieri d'onore. He retired firom Prior-paik in Septem-
ber, 1846, to become the first resident missionary at Midford
Castle, about three miles and a half from Bath, where he has
an increasing congregation, and has established a poor-
schooL At the formation of the Clifton Chapter, on 28th
June, 1852, this enlightened clergyman was deservedly en-
rolled amongst its canons.
Parker, James, S. J., was bom at Liverpool 8rd April, 1747;
entered the novitiate at the age of nineteen, and finished
his studies at St. Alban's College, Valladolid. For many
years he was chaplain to Barbara, Countess of Shaftesbury,
at St. Oiles', Dorset. This Catholic peeress was sole daughter
and heiress of Sir John Webb, of Oldstock and Canford, Bart.
After his retirement from that situation he resided for a
lengthened period at Bristol, and conciliated universal respect
and esteem by his polished manners, and fi*ank and liberal
conduct. Occasionally he would preach for his friend the
Rev. Robert Plowden, the incumbent of St. Joseph's, and
was greatly admired for his dignified and forcible style of
pulpit eloquence. For some time before his death he settled
at Liverpool, and got into a very nervous way. His Bene-
dictine friend, F. Vincent Glover, understanding that he was
unwell, waited upon him, and considering him to be in a
precarious state, warned him of it; upon which F. Parker
made his confession, received extreme unction, and died
within five minutes later, 29th October, 1822. He was buried
at Sefton with this original epitaph composed by himself.
*
Epitaphiam hoc
Vivas yidensqiie scripsL
Hie jaoeo
Jacobus Parker,
OUm Societatis Jesu Sacerdos,
Postea Decreto hen nimium duro
Ciementb XIV. Sammi Pontificis,
E priore grada in deliciis habito
Dejectus,
MiarionariuB in Anglia Apostolica^
Annoe quinqnaginta, etc
VixiT
Obiit iEtatis Anno lxxv.
Reparate vero Salutis, mpcccxxii.
But an English one has replaced it.
874 BIOGBAFHICAL LIST OF THX CLXaGT.
Pabksb^ Richard, S.J., was bom at Preston 2drd July,
1791, and, as I well remember, reached Stonyhurst College
in October, 1804, where he was placed mider my tuition.
He joined the society in 1810; was ordained priest in De-
cember, 1819, and on 6th October following became the
missionary of Wardour. Here his discreet seal, uniform
piety, charity, and suavity of manners endeared him to
all. After nearly twelve years' service, obedience summoned
him away from Wardour to succeed F. Norris in the presi-
dency of Stonyhurst College. It was a painful separation
from his noble patrons, Lord and Lady ArundeU and his
attached congregation; but there was no remedy. On 20th
June, 1832, he entered upon his office of rector, and was
enrolled among the professed fathers on the ensuing 2nd
f^ebruary. For the last year of his life it pleased Ood to
exercise the patience of his faithful servant by a complication
of maladies which defied all medical skiU, and he sunk under
them on 3rd September, 1836.
Parker, Thomas, S.J. — After finishing his studies at Val-
ladolid, was admitted into the society at the age of twenty-
four. I find him serving the Cornish mission in 1771, but
how long before or after I cannot ascertain. Thence he
removed to Heath Green, in Beoley parish, co. Worcester,
where he died 26th October, 1820, set. eighty-one.
Parry, . — A convert, of 1745, who knew him
at Exeter, remembered well that he paid occasional visits to
the faithflil in this city in the years 1754-5-6, but could not
inform me of his christian name or supply any other details.
Pbarce, Thomas, S.J., sometimes called Percy, was a
native of Devonshire, and came on the mission in 1641.
After lengthened services he retired to the house of proba-
tion at Ghent, to prepare himself for eternity, into which he
entered on 25th January, 1685, »t. seventy-eight, soc. forty-
seven.
Pelletier, Jean Pierre, S.J. — ^This old French Jesuit
was at Marnhull; he quitt^ for France in 1802, and died
about the same time as the celebrated P^re Barruel, who is
known to have departed this life on 5th October, 1820.
Pembridoe, Michael, O.S.B. — I have treated of this
saintly and learned regular in the first Part, p. 57. For
about a quarter of a century Bath was edified and enlightened
by his apostolic ministry ; dying there on 20th November,
1806, he was interred on the 25th in St. Joseph's Chapel,
Bristol.
BIOGRAPHICAL LIST OF THE CLBROT. 876
Pbniston,* James, S. J., was bom at Salisbiury on 8rd
March, 1809 ; went through his studies at Stonyhurst with
distinguished credit; and was admitted into the society at
Chierri 18th September, 1826. After teaching humanities at
Stonyhurst, and again at Calcutta, he was promoted to the
rank of a professed father on 25th March, 1847. When
F. John Hearne was carried off by fever on 30th April, 1847,
F. Feniston was sent to Wigan to succeed him at Wigan,
but within two months was ordered to replace F. Connell.at
Malta, where he arrived on 81st July the same year. His
future progress will be seen below. He died 30th June, 1856,
and the following extracts fully testify in what estimation he
was held even by Protestants : —
From the Bombay Examiner of July 9.
" It is our painful duty to record the death of the Rev. J.
Feniston, S.J., which took place at his residence at Upper
Colaba, on Monday, the 30th June last, of typhus fever.
" We regard this melancholy event as a calamity with which
Almighty God often, in His mercy, visits His creatures oo
earth. It is for the sake of those who have directly benefited
by, and are now deprived of, his spiritual ministrations, that
we feel his loss the more deeply. We sympathize with his
lordship. Dr. Hartmann, for the loss of so worthy a member
of lus clergy, and we sympathize with the whole Catholic
body of this vicariat for the loss of one who was deservedly
regarded as an ornament to his profession and to their common
religion.
'^ The late Father Feniston was an Englishman by birth.
He was descended from a respectable and eminently Catholic
family. His father was a civil engineer of good repute.
His primary education Fr, Feniston received in his mother
country. At the early age of seventeen he resolved upon
embracing the monastic life; in 1826 or 1827 he made his
profession in France, where he prosecuted his theological
studies. From France he proceeded to Belgium, and thence
to Bome, where he entered the Society of Jesus, of which he
was a professed member. In Rome he resided for a number
of years, where he acquired so perfect a knowledge of the
Italian language that he often said he could converse and
• His father was the surveyor of the county of Wilts, and the
architect of the chapels of Spetisburv, Cannington, &c. He assisted at
laying th« fonndation-istone of St. Osmund's, Salisbury, on 8th April,
1847 ; but before it could be solemnly consecrated on 6th Septemoer,
1848, it had pleased God to take him out of life 22nd June previous,
cet. sixty-nine. He was interred within its walls on the 27th, and its bell
Was first tolled at his funeral.
876 BIOGSAPBICAL LIST OF THB CI.BBOT.
preach in Italian with greater eaae and fluency than in bis
own language* In the year 1842, we believe, he, in oom-
pany with other memben of hia order, anrived at Calcuttai
where the Society was entrusted with the education of the
Catholic youth; but they had scarcely been in Calcutta
many years when troubles b^gan to thicken around them,
and they were obliged to quit it amidst the regret of the
whole Catholic population of Calcutta. Father Peniston
soon made himself a favourite with everybody at Calcutta^
and a proof of this is to be found in the fact that as soon as
the dispute relating to the maladministration of the funds for
the charitable schools at Mazagon arose, the Trustees at Cal-
cutta immediately withdrew the funds from the hands of the
former administrator, and placed them in those of Father
Peniston without solicitation on his part. Father Peniston
on leaving Calcutta did not accompany his brethren to
Madura, their mission, but proceeded to Malta, where he
was appointed one of the principals of the college, and had
the spiritual charge of the Catholic soldiery. He remained
at Malta until 1853, and was very much esteemed for the
virtues which distinguished his public and private life.
While there the Right Rev. Dr. Hartmann made him press-
ing and earnest solicitations to join this mission, bu